Whenever one starts doing something different - studying as a mature aged student for example - there are hordes of others hindering progress: especially your progress. They will proclaim a host of reasons for staying in your (un)comfortable place and not attempting to reach your dreams. (Envy? Jealousy?) It may well be that these folk, with allegedly good intentions, have not yet realized one of the rules of Living: everyone is either panting and pushing uphill or slipping and sliding downhill. Doing some form of study is one way to keep you moving onward and upward to reach the exhilarating vantage point of the next panorama. Irrespective of what others might say, level playing fields are temporary aberrations on the geography of Life.

You may be familiar with the poem "It could not be done, but she/he did it" and one of the lines "There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done". Unfortunately for some, it is family and friends who are the greatest naysayers; perhaps because they secretly wish they could have taken similar opportunities but, instead, weakly declined. Emotional blackmail comes in many disguises and whenever you recognize it; politely thank the person for their thoughtful advice, then ignore it and them if needs be. You are on a mission, not necessarily to save the world, but to make the best you can of a part centring around yourself. I cannot recall the context but I can still hear my father one day in exasperation saying "Gordon. Do something!"

The naysayers have not grasped the immutable distillation of the experiences of millions: the fading pain of failure is insignificant compared with the enduring and excruciating agony of later regret. As a mature aged student you are fully aware of the consequences of giving up for the excuses offered by others. Circumstances do change and one may have to pause, adjust a personal timetable or even change direction: yet instinctively, we know the difference between an excuse and an overwhelming reason.

Circumstances can hinder one in the context of slowing learning. However, most of these should have been taken into account when you started your course. Look upon these not as hindrances but as constraints within which you are working. Remember that hard work is necessary because nothing worthwhile is ever achieved without some pain. Soon or later you will be able to honestly say that one of your goals seemed impossible until you had achieved it. At this point there is nothing anyone can offer as a reason for you to even slacken your studies.

A serious potential hindrance is a loss of your initial enthusiasm: a disheartening feeling of despondency enveloping your psyche. Perhaps, this is not surprising because the realisation of the awesome goals you have set have crept up on your consciousness. The good news is that few people do not feel like that before deadlines. Athletes feel it at the starting line. Even after many decades teaching I still had butterflies in my stomach at the first lecture of a new course: the butterflies flew in formation but it took years to train them. The solution is disarmingly simple. First, admit you have the collywobbles. Second, repeatedly tell yourself that collywobbles will not stop you learning. Thirdly, carry on with your tasks as if the collywobbles did not exist. Now the more cynical of my readers might say "Do you expect me to believe that!". Of course. Just think of all of the fatuous rubbish that millions upon millions believe to the point of acting in purposeful ways: the advertising hype, the political lies, the religious humbug, the philosophical mumbo jumbo... You are in control of you. Besides, it works.

There are fifteen public universities throughout the state of Michigan (three of which are in the Upper Peninsula). There are probably three times that number of community colleges and smaller institutes scattered around. With so many choices, high school seniors are struggling to find the best fit. Allow me to aid in whatever way possible. Here are five reasons why Central Michigan University would be the best choice for the student to make.

1) Cost. Back in 2005, the officials started a policy in which all of the fees would be rolled together into one large sum. In addition, whatever the fee was per credit hour based on that student's class standing, the fee would not increase so long as the student was still at CMU. So in theory the fee per credit hour for the freshman, sophomores, juniors, seniors and super seniors (fifth year students) did not increase. The administration got around this drop in revenue by increasing the next incoming class's fee. Still, with all the fees lumped together, it makes the payments easy to predict and easier to accept.

2) Programs and degrees. Even more important than cost (that can be offset by the numerous scholarships) is the vary array of programs and majors to be chosen. There are at least one hundred majors/minors that can be selected, and more are being added each year. People used to ask me what was so appealing about Central, especially if a young person was undecided. I would answer them-it is because you are undecided. Whatever it is you seek, whatever career path you wish to follow, you will find it here.

3) Academics. Yes, one can find classes where an easy A is almost guaranteed. Then again, one can find other classes where he truly had to struggle for that B. There is a saying that it is better to get a B in a difficult class than an A in an easy class. Both can be found here. There is a limit of 21 credit hours (usually seven classes) per semester, which can be done. There are of course teachers that are willing to help, but they seem to be in greater abundence here. There are free tutors for most of the "challenging" intro courses (Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, etc). There is a requirement in which every student must take some type of laboratory class and must take at least one math class (and no it does not have to be Calculus). So it is not easy by any means. But a challenge is what makes college great.

4) Size. This one does not really need explaining. I don't have the exact numbers, but it used to be said that at the most there were 20,000 students on the main campus. Does one see all of them at one time-no, not even the day before the Fall Semester begins. As the commercials go, here you are a name and not a number. That is to say that the teachers here really take the time to get to know their students, especially as one moves up in the classes. As far as the big lecture halls go, a student will probably have three to five classes in a big lecture hall throughout the entire time at CMU. There are many colleges that cannot say that. The campus itself takes fifteen minutes at the most to walk from the extreme south end to the north end. Since many classes (the Monday Wed Fri ones) are 50 minutes, it works out quite well usually.

5) Mainstage. Every August, the day before classes start, there is a massive outdoor concert. It was started around 2000 and gets bigger every year. There is a main band, carnival rides and food as well. But the real appeal of the concert is all the student clubs. Each and every single student club that wants a spot will be given one under a giant tent. In this way, new students can see what else there is to do outside of class. Any type of student club, be it athletic, entertainment, academic or other, is always eager to recruit new members. It is a great way to get to know other people, especially those with similar interests. So yes, Mainstage comes highly reccomended.

Those are the five reasons I have come up with to attend Central Michigan University. If I had to pick a sixth, I would say study abroad. It is eye-opening to say the least, and not nearly as expensive as people think. If you are someone looking around for next Spring, please give CMU a look.

New college freshman across the country are moving into their dorms, meeting their roommates, and saying their good-byes to their parents-excited to what the college experience will bring. My first semester of college, I was excited and scared at the same time. I was a first generation college student, so my parents or siblings could not give me any advice for this new experience. I had to just dive right in and try to learn the ropes as soon as I could. So here are a few tips that I learned throughout my college experience:

• Put your bed on risers or cinderblocks (for a cheaper option). You will find that your apartment or dorm will lack adequate storage space. If you get high enough risers, you can fit almost anything under your bed from suitcases to winter/summer clothes that are out of season.

• Label all of your groceries. This is not only to dispel a greedy roommate from snatching your food, but it can be hard to know which is yours if you and your roommates buy similar things. I would buy a sharpie marker and just write you initials on the wrapper or container.

• Only share food if you eat about the same amount as your roommate. I made this mistake my first semester of college. My new roommate said that everyone usually will just share food because it is a lot cheaper and takes up less room. I agreed to pay for the food the first time. I figured she wouldn't eat too much because of how tiny she was. I was very wrong. She pretty much drank the entire gallon of milk within two days. That was the only time I shared food. You only make that kind of mistake once...let's hope.

• Get some computer backup. Some Mac backup will make sure that every one of your assignments, papers, and financial records is safe and secure. During my college years, my computer crashed and I lost everything I had ever done. In my opinion, it is the smartest thing to do to make sure that you can pull up assignments when a teacher loses it, you can pull it right up.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Genevieve_Bordeaux

Unicorns and time-space vortices might very well exist, but categorically effective topics for law school admissions essays unquestionably don't. That's because a topic's effectiveness necessarily varies with each applicant. Writing about a trip to Tanzania, for example, may revive one applicant's chances, but hobble another's. Thus, you must find the most effective essay topics for you. But how? Consider these defining attributes of exceptionally effective topics and your search is bound to be brief:

• It stirs you

Whether it's researching tree snails on Oahu or filling potholes in the Bronx, select a topic you feel strongly about and you're apt to project sincerity, an essential quality of outstanding law school admissions essays. And don't worry if you think your topic isn't inherently compelling. If it's of genuine interest to you, your prose will flow with an ease and intensity likely to impress any admissions committee. Conversely, pass on an "impressive" topic that doesn't excite you; lack of enthusiasm is a rot that weakens essays and admissions chances.

• It complements your pitch

Your pitch, no more than a couple of sentences, is the strongest argument for your acceptance to law school; it should permeate your application. "Tenacious, inquisitive woman who surmounted cultural barriers to become expert on Saudi Arabia is prepared to become Islamic law specialist"--that's the kind of pitch--concise, unique, impressive--which resonates with admissions officers. Whatever your pitch is, be sure to select essay topics that effectively highlight it.

• Personal details make it unique

You've selected an arresting topic that no other applicant can discuss--a space tourism flight out of Kazakhstan. Sounds promising, but an essay is likely to founder despite a fascinating topic if it lacks relevant personal details. That's the debilitating effect of abstract prose: it coats over what might be the distinctive hues of an essay like a drab hospital green. On the other hand, mundane topics, such as a walk to the newsstand, can be singular and riveting if animated by concrete personal details. So don't obsess over selecting a rare topic. Stud your essay with telling personal details and your topic will be unique.

• It focuses on your actions

Admissions committees are interested in your actions because they reveal your character, contextualize your accomplishments, and suggest what you'll achieve during and after law school. That's the reason selecting an essay topic which focuses on your actions instead of opinions is vital. So remember: no op-ed pieces--only when your essay is heavy on your actions and light on commentary have you found an effective topic.

• It fits law school into a logical progression

An effective essay topic positions law school as the logical next step of a progression, be it intellectual, professional, moral, or otherwise. That's good multitasking--impressing admissions officers with a reasoned decision to pursue law and accomplishments which promise success at it. It's also not that complicated and needn't be overt. How one coaxes hens into a backyard coop, for example, would be a clever topic to highlight the professional and personal development of a union negotiator primed for law school.

Everyone experiences culture shock when they start university (especially international students). Whatever school or college you come from, it is all new and unnerving. Don't worry, almost everyone quickly gets used to it.

Here's some general advice to help you get started.

- Arrive in good time to settle into your accommodation and meet housemates etc before you have to register.

- Get yourself a diary and maps. A campus map is a must but you will need a city map too. Use them to make sure you know where you are supposed to be and when (don't rely on other freshers having much more of a clue than you).

- Get yourself to induction meetings (IT facilities, library, students' union etc), to enrolment, course briefings, meeting your tutors for the first time, at the right time and right place. Induction meetings can bore you to death, but you will see the faces in power and you might sit next to someone interesting.

- Find out where your lectures, seminars, tutorials and laboratory sessions are held and when; and where you hand in your essays etc.

- Start making your own academic timetable for the term or semester, noting dates that assessments have to be handed in (to avoid being penalised if it is late).

- Then submerge yourself in the first week's entertainment, usually a Freshers' Fair, endless discos, parties and bar promotion nights. This is also when all the clubs will try to recruit you but don't be hassled and don't waste money joining loads of ludicrous societies. Some people find freshers week seems to last for ever; but you can always use the time to explore the locality or do some background reading as well as party.

Once you have moved into your halls, settled into your bedroom and made friends with the people in your flat or on your corridor, you should consider how sharing the kitchen will work best. The kitchen is always the most social place in student flats. It's important to make it a nice a place to be. Keeping it clean reduces arguments and tensions and cooking together is good for maintaining healthy friendships. Here are a few pointers:

- Find out what cooking facilities are available where you live (oven, rings, grill, microwave, gas or electricity?)

- How many others share them?

- Are there restrictions as to when they can be used?

- Make sure you know how to operate them properly.

- What about cooking utensils, pots, pans, cutlery, crockery etc?

- Make a list of things you know you will need and check whether they are provided. A basic list could start with:kettle, saucepan(s), frying pan, chopping, board/surface, sharp knife, bread, knife, wooden, spoon/spatula, ovenproof dish/bowl, dishtowels, tin, opener, jug, mugs, glasses, plates & bowls, cutlery, then add whatever else you, personally, cannot do without - fish slice, lemon squeezer, garlic press, potato peeler, cheese grater, sieve, corkscrew.

- What food storage space is available? Particularly, how big is the fridge and who uses it? It can make a big difference if there is somewhere secure for you to store supplies rather than shopping each day.

- Many students prefer to share buying and cooking food. It saves time and it's good for bonding in a flat/house. It pays to be organised about it, especially where money is involved: set up a kitty, or a book where everyone writes down what they spend on communal food. And agree early what is communal and what is not: milk, coffee, cleaning stuff etc. Keep some sort of emergency supplies so that you will not starve if your cook gets a last minute invitation on the way home.

- If you have not done much cooking before, there are lots of student cook books. You'll find them in supermarkets in university towns, or check out new and second-hand student cookbooks on Amazon.

Has this ever happened to you? You're in a class that you may or may not like. However, you take the class because it's a requirement. The professor's lectures are interesting, but when class is over, you are out of there and on to your next class or where ever.

Big mistake! Most students unknowingly rob themselves of making top grades by immediately leaving when the class ends. They don't know that their professor would prefer that they stick around and ask questions or get additional information. Getting to know your professors outside of the classroom will prove to be one of the surest paths to making better grades.

Here is why:

When you ask a question or ask for further clarification after the lecture, you will get the information you need to help you better understand the material. Often times the professor will give you resources and suggestions that will not be mentioned during the lecture. But that's not the real reward. The gold medal is that the professor has the opportunity to see your interest and enthusiasm for the subject matter. That insight is priceless to you because you are now on the professor's radar in an extremely positive light.

But let's assume you understand everything, and you really don't have questions or you don't need clarification. This technique will still work for you in the same way. It will demonstrate to the professor that you are interested and enthusiastic about the class.

Let me explain why that's important.

You see, it does not matter whether you have questions or need clarification about something you don't understand. That is secondary to your purposes and is almost irrelevant. The key factor to remember is the relationship that you are building with the professor.

Here is where this will benefit you:

Letters of Recommendation

A big advantage of seeing your professors after classes or during office hours is that the professor gains insight into how dedicated, enthusiastic and how hard you are working in the class. This will be an important factor when it comes to grading your work, because the professor is more inclined to give you the benefit of the doubt and to give you credit for your effort. On the other hand, those students who don't get to know their professors leave the professor with no way of knowing how hard they worked or if they are interested in the material. As a result, they are not given the benefit of the doubt.

Graduate School

Another way this relationship with your professor will help you is you apply for internships, jobs, or graduate school. More than likely, you will need letters of recommendations from your professors. If they know you as more than just a "face in a crowd," they can write more substantive better letters for you.

Networks

Additionally, your professors can help you tap into professional communities in your field or even find an internship or a job. I often receive information from various sources looking for qualified students. When I do, I pass them along to students with whom I have developed great relationships.

Of course, there are some professors who may be more approachable than others. Whether they are or not, if you show interest and enthusiasm for the class and the professor, you will do much better than those students who do not go that extra mile.