First of all, what is a reverse-transfer? Many school administrators define reverse-transfers as students who transfer from four-year institutions to community colleges to complete part or all of their educations. Today, education professionals are seeking to better understand these students and their motivations for transferring.

A recent issue of Sociology of Education – an American Sociological Association journal – features a report that explores the socioeconomic differences among college transfer students. The sample of students followed in this report began their postsecondary education at a four-year institution. From this group, 33 percent transferred at least once within eight years of graduating from high school. Another 20 percent transferred “laterally,” from one four-year institution to another, and 15 percent transferred in “reverse” to a community college.

Among all these different transfer students, lateral transfers were much more likely than reverse transfers to complete their bachelor’s degree – 69 percent compared to 22 percent. However, both of these figures are lower than the graduation rate of students who don’t transfer at all. They completed their bachelor’s degrees at a rate of 79 percent.

So, if graduation rates are lower for reverse-transfer students, why do some students choose this route? Many education experts assumed that a student’s income, or the income of his or her family would be the deciding factor, but this was actually not the strongest indicator of a transfer decision. According to this study, the strongest indicator of a student’s transfer status is his or her parents’ education level.

Most often, students whose parents had more than a bachelor’s degree were some of the least likely to reverse-transfer. But on the other end of this spectrum, students whose parents had not completed high school were most likely to transfer to a community college.

What could be some reasons behind these trends? Sara Goldrick-Rob, a professor of education policy studies and sociology at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, believes first-generation college students face unique challenges and struggle academically during their first year of college. But Professor Goldrick-Rob does have ideas for how to better support these students. In her opinion, four-year colleges have the responsibility to offer these students extra resources to help them succeed. Opportunities for extra advising and information could make the difference in these students’ lives and educations.

So, depending on your situation, leaving your four-year college for community colleges or online colleges might be a better choice. But if you’re thinking about it, explore some of the resources available at your current school. Sticking it out might be the better choice in the long run.

A mysterious superhero has descended upon several Universities throughout the United States.

Recently, at least nine college institutions have received gifts totaling over $45 million from a mystery donor. What’s unusual is no one, not even the universities, knows where the money came from.

Typically when an educational institution receives an anonymous donation – they are allowed to know the identity of the donor.  In the recent donation sweep, however – lawyers and middlemen have cornered academic institutions into signed agreements not only disallowing them to know the identity of the donor, but promising not to try and find out.

Some of the schools that received the donations are the University of Iowa colleges receiving 7 million, the University of Southern Mississippi college receiving 6 million, and Purdue’s Indiana college receiving 8 million. It’s not clear whether the gifts come from an individual, organization or group of people with similar interests.

All donations were given on March 1st. Each came with the stipulation that most of the money must go to student scholarships.
Donations have dwindled at several colleges, and many schools have been trying to make ends meet during this economic downturn. These gifts show that someone recognizes the importance of higher education and truly wants to make a difference in the lives of students.  Historically speaking, and only exempting some of the Ivy League institutions – a larger endowment is a typical prelude to enrollment increase.

I would certainly be on the lookout at these specific universities enrollment metrics over the next academic year – as opportunity might arise for those looking to attend one of their programs.

The Obama administration is proposing an overhaul in the way a majority of students finance their college education. This proposal may greatly affect the student loan industry causing them to fight against the proposed plan.

Currently, federal subsidies, known as the Federal Family Education Loan program, are provided to private loan companies. President Obama wants to eliminate these subsidies proposing that all loans given to students will be under the control of the federal government. The administration argues that the revamp would save $94 billion. That savings could be redirected to needy borrowers and give more potential students the opportunity to go to college.

There is opposition to the proposal by some. Lenders are worried about the business they could lose. “The Obama plan would mean that many lenders would lose 100 percent of their business,” said Mark Kantrowitz, an industry analyst and publisher of FinAid.org. “It would be a dramatic shift for the way this industry works.”

Others worry about the inefficiency of the education department. “I don’t see the wisdom in creating a new half-trillion national bank for student loans,” he said. “I know how the bureaucracy at the education department works, and you probably are going to get long lines of dissatisfied customers. Those lines could be very long because there are 12 million students.”

Supporters believe the proposal is the most cost effective, dependable way to provide students with the necessary funding for college. They think that the current system needs to be fixed to provide every student with the opportunity to go to colleges.

Source:
Washington Post

Career College Central
http://www.careercollegecentral.com/news/loan_industry_pushes_back – anchor text contigent on kw research

I know what you want from me.

You want me to be a pocket full of optimism.  You own personal “yes You can” man.  You want me to dance around in frothy verbiage, whispering warm votes of confidence like:  “You can achieve any career goal you are passionate about” or, “Persistence is going to drive your butt at 120mph into the career you’ve always wanted, complete with a Herman Miller Aeron chair and a double-wide corner office sporting a street-side view of a never ending happy-go-lucky parade of co-workers celebrating the overwhelmingly important fact that *You* have finally – arrived.”

Sigh.  I feel so used.

Right about now myriads of job seekers around the country are throwing down their “To-Do” Lists to fire off strongly worded bombs of cynicism of this article and its writer to their Overly-Comforting Social Career Networks and Hug-Happy Job Coaches.

But for those of you’ve who’ve made it this far, I imagine some questions are racing through your splendorous minds.  After all, you don’t just stumble upon an article here without a healthy sprinkling of observational powers and resourceful thinking.  So the point I’m trying to make here, other than trying to find a bit of humor in an otherwise serious situation – is that sometimes taking two steps back and reevaluating your job-finding strategy and mindset are necessary in order to take a step forward.   After all, landing the right job in this tightwad economy isn’t necessarily impossible, but it is going to take more ingenuity then you’ve likely used in the past.  Before diving into your job search, consider tomorrow’s market.  What kind of jobs are subject to consumer trend and economic lapses?  How big of an issue will a college education play in getting a job?  Is going back to school a feasible option right now for you and for your family?

The following is a series of important criticisms that I began pointing out about myself during my last job search that, once accepted and corrected – allowed me to see opportunity where others failed to recognize it.  It was not until I tied my short-term goals (landing a job to pay rent) to a bigger purpose and vision (how my career fits into my life) that I really began to see why I was consistently being passed up by recruiters.  I have a gut feeling that I’m not the only one here, so I’m offering this same list to you (at least, for those of you that are still reading this):

1. You Aren’t Being Realistic.  Expect Obstacles and Disappointments

If there is a principle that never wavers from its intended purpose, it is the idea that doing anything worthwhile in life is always accompanied by unexpected obstacles and hindrances.  Finding a job is not exempt from this rule: You will feel as if the monetary walls around you are closing to suffocate your very being.  You will interview with recruiters who are overly optimistic and promising when it comes to offering you the job, and then disappearing or finding someone else.  You will slip up in an interview.  You will get left off of the recruiter’s call-back list for no reason other than the mere fact that they never made it to scanning your resume because there were simply too many submissions for the job.

In this author’s book – character is not judged when times are good, but when times are bad.  Getting problems and dealing with them are part of being an adult.  Don’t get overly optimistic about any one job (and I know, it’s hard) because the second you do, it always seemingly disappears.  It’s like a universal law or something that always occurs.

2. You Aren’t Being SMART

I know, I know – an acronym.  But don’t run off just yet – this one actually has substance.  So let’s peel back the tin foil and see what’s on offer:

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Trackable.  The first thing you need to do when evaluating the current State of Your Job Search is being asking yourself whether your selling yourself too high, or throwing yourself in too many different directions like a freshly-made bowl of Jell-O that’s indecisive about what it wants to do with its life.

Having goals without having direction makes you about as pretty as a meat mallet.  During my last job search, I had one company that I was really trying to get into.  Coincidentally, they were hiring for 3 positions that, although being located in 3 different departments, all seemed to intersect my skill set and experience.  So what did I do?  I jumped the gun and applied to all 3.  I can imagine the HR departments initial reaction at my bombardment of resume gunk on that fateful Thursday morning – they must have likened me to the guy at the bar who hits on every woman there in hopes that one of them will stick and he won’t have to go home alone.

This didn’t make me very attractive to the company, and unsurprisingly I did not get a call back from them even though I was qualified for the positions I applied for.  If I had expressed a little more direction to them about where I wanted to go in their company from the outset – they likely would have dragged my butt into the hot seat faster than I could smile and say “Nice to meet you.”

Staying focused and concentrating your efforts into realistic and specific goals can actually make your life a bit simpler.  Measuring and evaluating your performance in relation to these goals can give you insight into what areas you can improve upon.

3. You’re Not Digging Deep Enough

CareerBuilder.  He’s big, he’s bad.  He’s tougher than jailhouse steak.  But despite having an almost mythical and legendary status as career finders, Monster and CareerBuilder can be surprisingly useless sometimes. 

 “Monster” ? It’s more like 4 pounds of fluffy kitten.  Average job submission on CareerBuilder and Monster is now 260 resumes, in comparison with 70 submissions just a year ago.  Your chances of finding jobs on them are still great; the problem is that competition has almost quadrupled.

If you aren’t checking localized online job boards in addition to the Big National Job dumping websites like Monster and CareerBuilder, start finding them.  If you don’t have a local social network built around finding you a job, build one.  Here – I officially give you permission to do that.

Tons of cities have local non-profit job boards.  Look at the government sites, too.  Go on company websites, check out the’ Careers’ pages.  Scan the multiplexes of the internet for jobs.  You could even hire a typing monkey to do it for you.  I’m of the opinion that the tougher it is to find, the less competition you’ll have when you finally discover it.

Start using Google – a lot.  Google is the center of the known universe – how’s that for finding a job?

4. You’re Haven’t Gotten the Proper Training and Education

Let me fill you in on something – you’re trying to find a job in one of toughest markets America has ever seen.  There are dozens of others job seekers doing what you’re doing for the same job right now – how are you trying to differentiate yourself from the pack?  One of the biggest mistakes that job seekers make is assuming their experience will get them in the door.  While this may have been true 10 years ago, today’s job market has displaced the idea that experience alone separates you from other job seekers – typically employers are requiring post-secondary education before they even scan your resume (see the ‘Occupations Guide’ on US College Search for more on that.)

Going back to school or getting new certifications in an economy that is becoming increasingly competitive are two areas that I’m actually a proponent of right now.  You can find legions of bloggers that have not yet joined the “Going Back to School” camp, but really – has there ever been a more opportune time?  Why heck, even our new President has been urging the populous to commit to at least one extra year of higher education or career training

You saw this kind of behavior happening in succession during the early 1980’s and “waiting out” the tough economic times eventually put them ahead of the other job seekers when they did finally make it out of school.  27% of the US population is now attaining a college education of some kind and the numbers continue to rise by the year.  That makes them more of an asset to companies right now than the other ¾ of the population – and being an asset counts in this job market.

5. You Don’t Know Your Worth

Figuring out how to convey the secret talents and hidden abilities that you’ve had in past jobs can sometimes be challenging.  Finding out what exactly they even were to begin with can be next to impossible.  I know that all sounds cliché, and to a certain degree – it is.  But if you can develop ways of matching your previous experiences to the objectives of the job you want – you are going to have a much more engaging interview, and a much better chance of finally landing a job.

My advice is to research the industry you’re looking to get in heavily.  You stand a much better chance of knowing what kind of valuable skills you’re bringing when you are already an expert for the job you’re going to be interviewing for.  Get to know the jargon if you don’t know it, know the industry experts, know what kinds of tasks you’ll be doing (even if the Job Ad doesn’t tell you.)  Be prepared to talk about something with real substance and value at the interview.

Today’s market place is dicey, to put it mildly. That degree you put thousands of dollars into? It might not carry the prestige and weight that it once did when businesses are focusing on their bottom lines. Businesses want effectiveness, not legacy.

Where do you start?

Your paramount concern for professional longevity is to remain skilled and versatile. Businesses are reorganizing and job duties that work partners once performed for you may soon be your responsibility.

Many future career climbers facing this reality are reflexively reaching for the M.B.A. degree programs online and at career colleges. Why? It’s kind of like the Swiss Army knife of master’s degrees. But is that the best degree choice for you? Perhaps it’s time to consider some of these alternatives to the M.B.A.

Master’s in Marketing

Forget the degree concentration; why not pursue a degree that focuses entirely on marketing? You can eliminate general business fare and focus on more interesting areas such as:

• Psychographics
• Consumer psychology
• Demographics
• Analytics
• Business metrics

Master of Human Resources

Why waste time and energy memorizing snoozers like general corporate finance. Focus instead on dynamic areas of corporate concerns such as law, policy, and human relations. A higher degree in Human Resources immediately sets you apart, and clears the way for a long journey of upward mobility.

Master of Health-Care Administration

A specialized degree that’s a smart choice for people who plan career advancement within hospitals, physician’s clinics, insurance companies, or an extended-care facility. Health care is just going to keep expanding. So why not invest in some real job security?

These are just a few of the many options you can plan for. All you have to do to get started is use our search for Master’s level degree programs. US College Search can make it easy and quick so you can take your next step to better things!

 The past few weeks have been a busy time for President Obama, Vice President Biden and all of the other members of the new administration. This has also meant big life changes for these elected officials’ family members. In “Second Lady,” Jill Biden’s case, this means a new job.

Before Barack Obama selected Joe Biden to be his vice presidential candidate, Jill Biden, Joe’s wife, was an English professor at Delaware Technical and Community College. But because her husband’s new job required the family to move to Washington, Jill decided to seek out a job in her new hometown as well. With her impressive career experience and education background, Dr. Biden received several job offers from D.C.-area colleges and universities. But ultimately, she chose to accept a position at Northern Virginia Community College.

Some have publicly wondered why Dr. Biden would choose to teach in a community college when job offers were also extended to her from prestigious Washington universities. The answer is simple: Jill Biden believes firmly in what she calls, “the power of community colleges to endow students with critical life skills.” She even wrote her dissertation on this very subject.

Dr. Jill Biden definitely understands the value of community and junior colleges, and the importance of the students who attend these institutions. So if you’re considering enrolling in a community college near you, get ready for an education that you can feel great about – community colleges can be an excellent way to build a strong, affordable educational foundation. And don’t forget to stay on the lookout for professors who may one day become national political celebrities!

So, you’re looking for some direction in your life. Well, you’re definitely not alone there. Whether you’re getting ready to graduate, or if you’re just looking for a lifestyle or career change, the number of choices out there can be overwhelming.We’re all well-aware that the economy is not super hot right now. But here’s a piece of advice I’ve heard some career experts recommend to people who are having a tough time snagging a job right now:

They say that volunteering can be a great way to gain experience that employers will appreciate. But best of all, many volunteer opportunities can give you the chance to make a difference in someone else’s life.

Today, I was reading about an organization called City Year. It’s affiliated with AmeriCorps (the domestic version of the Peace Corps), and it gives young people between the ages of 17 and 24 the chance to spend one year volunteering with kids from urban areas all across the country.

Though helping others is a great incentive, City Year can also help its members prepare for life after their year of service has ended. They offer education awards and scholarships, in addition to a monthly stipend to cover living expenses. Plus, you could experience life in a new place, while meeting new people.

A friend of mine who lives in New York City told me about how she sees City Year volunteers all over the place. She said she always recognizes them by their trademark red uniforms and their cheerful attitudes. Apparently, these folks really love what they’re doing!

The benefits of volunteering seem almost endless. And it might even open career or education doors in ways you weren’t expecting.

Most of us are familiar with advertisements created by the United States armed forces. A major selling point in a lot of these ads is the military’s promise to help servicemen and women pay for their college education.

To me, this idea seems pretty fair. Our country owes a lot to the men and women who defend the United States through military service at home and abroad. Offering our veterans a quality education when they return home is probably the least we can do to repay them.

Since the end of World War II – and the first version of the G.I. Bill – veterans’ circumstances have changed. Due to inflation, today’s Iraq and Afghanistan veterans’ benefits just don’t go as far as they used to.

This coming August, the new G.I. Bill will take effect. This version of the bill offers benefits to those who have served at least 90 continuous days of active military duty since September 11, 2001, or those who served at least 30 days and were discharged with a service-connected disability.

What does this mean for veterans and civilians?

Most likely, it means more veterans around college and university campuses. The new bill has been updated to accommodate rising education costs, so more veterans can pursue a higher-quality education.

The college experience can be daunting for some veterans who have grown used to a military-style daily routine. Civilian students should be welcoming and respectful to veterans they meet. Some veterans don’t mind answering questions about military life, but some would prefer more privacy.

If you want to get involved, many colleges have student veteran organizations. These groups can help veterans join a community, and can allow civilian students to reach out to veterans who have sacrificed so much for the rest of us.

 Sounds like a good thing to me!

Jonathan Liebman, the CEO of Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts, wrote in the September/October 2008 issue of Career College Central  about the fear many students have of success. He points out that many students are the first in their families to graduate from college. Naturally, these students often second guess themselves. What will life be like in this new career? What will change? Do I deserve to be more successful than my parents? Will success cause resentment and pull me away from my childhood friends?

The opportunities an education gives you will introduce you to new people and new experiences. Venturing into uncharted waters can be intimidating but, with a little bravery, you can create a better life for yourself. There is no easy answer to make it through the tough times. Each situation has its own complexities and needs to be addressed in a unique way. But there are some tips that can help you through tough times.

1. Be confident – People trust and react positively to those who are confident, but not cocky. Hold your head high and take pride in what you’ve accomplished. Not feeling very confident in your new role? Fake it. Soon enough, you’ll find that your confidence is sincere.
2. Think of your kids – If your parents did not go to college, it can feel like you are rejecting the life they worked hard to provide. Pretend that you decide that, out of respect for your parents, you decide to not go to school. Fifteen or twenty years from now, your children would be in the same position you are in now. What would you want them to do – have the same challenges you faced without an education, or would you like them to go to college and have a successful career? Most parents strive to provide a better life for their children than they had. It is honoring their sacrifices to take advantage of the opportunities you have.
3. Let go – In order to get what you want out of life, sometimes you need to cut ties with things that are holding you back. If a loved one is not encouraging you to be successful and talking to them about the situation doesn’t help, consider cutting back on the time you spend with them. That can be very tough to do, but if they truly have your best interest at heart, they’d want to help you succeed.

Change can be scary, but success shouldn’t be. Be brave, and don’t let temporary setbacks keep you from the life you want for you and your family.

Are you questioning whether or not college is for you? Do you have concerns or doubts?  When I made the decision to attend college, finance was my number one concern. Other fears included wondering if I could handle the the college workload, if I was choosing the right program or the right school, if my family would support my decision and and many more. 

This kind of fear and self-doubt can prohibit many people from going to a college which can vastly improve their lives.  A new website, www.college.gov identifies these common concerns and shows ways to overcome them. There are testimonials from students across the country that have triumphed over challenges such as peer pressure, lack of family support, and financial barriers. Against the odds, these students made college a reality.

More features of the website:

• Create your own roadmap.  No matter what year you are in high school, www.college.gov can create a personalized road map that will layout detailed steps necessary for getting to college.  You can keep the roadmap on your computer, or print it out and put it on your wall or in you locker.  Either way, this roadmap can put you on the path towards college!
• Find the school for you.  Universities, community colleges, or vocational schools, whatever you are looking for, this website can help you find a school to fit your lifestyle.
• Why go? What to do? How to pay?  www.college.gov  helps you realize reasons for going to school such as, increasing your income, finding your passion, proving your potential, growing with help and support, and lifting your family.  It also shows you the step for getting into college and payment options.
• Information for everyone. The website is geared towards high school students but also gives information to parents, families, teachers and counselors.

What sets this website apart from other education sites is that it was made by students for students.  The creators of this website have pinpointed real concerns that high school students have about going to college.  Through their college roadmap, they give us the tools to overcome those obstacles. 

Anyone can make their dream of attending college a reality.  www.college.gov is one tool that can help.