In today's college admission landscape it is essential that families remain knowledgeable on up to date trends in higher education. Many families begin the college admissions process early in high school so that they obtain as much information as possible about colleges while providing maximum opportunity for their children. The college admissions process is complex and detailed and in order for students and families to navigate this process correctly, qualified private college consultants are becoming more popular.

It is sensible to hire a qualified independent educator to ensure that the choice for higher education is correct, as the cost to obtain an undergraduate degree at many private colleges is near $200,000. Independent college consultants can also make an otherwise stressful process into a successful and enjoyable experience. The recognition and growth of private consulting is logical based on the demands of the colleges on students and the competitive nature of college admissions.

There are thousands of colleges in the United States and learning about how they vary is a difficult process without appropriate guidance. Qualified private college consultants help students avoid costly mistakes by finding the college that is the best fit for them. Without the proper direction, many students and families ultimately choose colleges without necessary information on what would be the best matches for them. Numerous families have specific requests with regard to academics, athletics and special learning needs. College consultants do lengthy and specific research to assure students that they apply to the most appropriate colleges. Expert college consultants attend conferences, visit campuses regularly and have a wide array of professional resources available. The experience and knowledge of a qualified independent college consultant is invaluable while navigating through high school planning and the admissions process.

The ratio of counselor to student in many high schools is extremely high (500 to 1 in many cases) and the school counselors do not have time to individualize the process for their students. Even the most skilled high school college counselors may have too many students to provide the individualized attention students need and deserve. College counselors in high schools are bound by the rules, requirements and job description of their schools. Often times they are also required to do additional jobs at their high schools with regard to guidance counseling, scheduling and record keeping. Many high school counselors do not attend conferences, tour colleges or develop relationships with admission representatives. As a result, they are not always current on recent college admission news and evolving admissions requirements.

Reputable educational consultants visit hundreds of colleges, whereas a college counselor in a high school spends the majority of his/her time at their specific school. In addition, an independent consultant researches and prepares college lists, assists with college essays, works on activity resumes, advises on campus visits, letters of recommendations, interviews, summer programs, internships and has a better understanding of what the colleges admissions personnel at specific colleges want in their candidates.

Most high school college counselors are grateful for additional insight and assistance with their students from independent consultants. High school counselors know that many families seek outside resources for academic tutors, test preparation and college counseling. There are various options available, however professional educational consultants affiliated with the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA) are held in high esteem and an integral part of assisting students in their college process. The additional insight private consultants offer can be a valued asset to hard working high school counselors who must write hundreds of recommendation letters. The relationship families maintain with a private consultant can remain confidential and release of any information is dependent on the family's decision.

Jeannie received her Masters Degree in Education and Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology/Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles and is Founder and President of the Los Angeles based independent college counseling firm College Connections. She has an extensive educational background having served as counselor, school administrator, admissions director, teacher and curriculum supervisor for over twenty years in both the public and private sectors. Jeannie also mentored teachers through the UCLA teacher-training program for seven years, is state certified, and holds a teaching credential issued for life. Jeannie is a Julliard School of Music alumni and has first hand experience in selective admission auditions in top tier performing arts programs. Jeannie has over fifteen years admissions counseling experience and continues her work of the past ten years as an independent educational and college consultant. She is an independent specialist who works with and oversees every student. Jeannie participates in the UCLA College Admissions Counseling Certification Program and regularly attends professional conferences, networks with colleagues and visits colleges throughout the United States building contacts within the admissions staff. Jeannie has been awarded professional membership with the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). Her affiliation with the National and Western Association of College Admissions Counselors as well as the Higher Educational Consultants Association keeps her on the forefront of innovative and current trends in college admissions and education.

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

Jeannie Borin - EzineArticles Expert Author

Administrative employees provide business owners and companies with the correct skills, and professional training necessary in order to be solely responsible for the day-to-day duties required to ensure a company is run in the most successful manner.

An online business administration course provides interested candidates with an easy and effective way in which to learn these highly demanded and sought after skills in a low-pressure learning environment. One of the many benefits of completing an online course is the ability to study at your own pace and allocated time, while having direct access to key teachers who are highly experienced and knowledgeable in the subject of business administration to ensure the success of their students. The student centred teaching approach adapts to the specific needs and requirements of those studying. For those not in the main centres where education institutions are located, or whom have specific responsibilities that limit the time they can dedicate to full time study, online courses provide the perfect medium for further education.

The successful completion of a business administration online course will give interested individuals the opportunity to put their training into practise in a work place setting. Formal qualifications resulting from the completion of a business administration online course will allow graduate students to successfully apply for a range of employment openings within the industry. These skills are interchangeable throughout a number of job roles, which are highly sought after both nationally and internationally, enabling successful candidates who have completed such a course to apply for an ever increasing number of available positions. Much of these skills revolve around the process of organisation, time management, and also the general way in which to undertake daily business operations from an administrative perspective that also aligns with the overall goals and needs of the company of employment.

Business administration online courses provide individuals with a large range of career prospects that allow them to grow within the industry and continue the growth within their own personal career journey. Training of this nature provides an individual with a competitive advantage during the job application and interview process, strongly setting them apart from other applicants that do not have the same level of training afforded to them. Business administration online courses are a way in which these key skills can be learned in a positive, encouraging and supportive environment.

An MBA can be a good route into a consulting firm as an associate. Associates receive training and on-the-job apprenticeship at many of the big firms. Associates are the ones performing background research and analysis. Combining problem solving skills and technical experience is common for associates. Well-performing associates then often receive promotions after a few years of experience. However, to succeed as a consultant, experience is what counts.

While many consultants entered firms such as McKinsey holding MBA degrees, not everyone who consults has an MBA. While education is important, it does not solve complex problems the same way experience does. Those serving as consultants rarely go to business school to get the job. On the other hand, consultants with years of real-world experience sometimes go back to get their MBA degrees. Why? For one, holding an MBA commissions a higher salary. MBA degrees combined with real-world experience bring together the best of both situations.

Someone with five or ten years of experience and an MBA degree is more capable of handling complex projects and has more tools at her disposal than someone with either the experience or the MBA. Second, the MBA degree helps garner respect from those not familiar with a consultant's experience or industry. When a new client or firm sees the combination of experience and degree, it helps build their confidence. An example of a place where having an MBA in addition to experience helps is when applying to a consultancy like McKinsey & Company. When hiring, McKinsey looks for strength in four areas: Problem solving, achieving, personal impact, and leadership. Holding an MBA helps with problem solving skills, and can help with personal impact (especially if service projects or volunteer work was completed).

Experience is irreplaceable and demonstrates a history of achieving and leadership positions. Some companies, like BCG, will sponsor high performing associates wanting to pursue MBA degrees. This is a valuable option for those wishing to pursue an MBA, but who aren't sure how the degree will be paid for.

The downside is that many experienced consultants apply to top MBA programs. While employment at a top management consulting firm is helpful, those who are self-employed, or who work at smaller consultancies must work hard to make themselves stand out. Having a specific focus, leadership experience, and clear goals all are helpful.

Moreover, if you are self-employed, be sure to write detailed accounts of whom your clients were and how you served them. This demonstrates to employers that you were employed. If deciding to obtain an MBA is on the table, be sure to study for the GMAT and carefully research prospective schools (and the companies recruiting from those schools). Carefully construct the application and essay. Make sure you recognize, going into an MBA program that it is a demanding career move and a large financial investment and plan accordingly. While an MBA degree is not necessary for a management consultant, obtaining an MBA can help your prospects of finding gainful employment-especially when combined with industry or consulting experience.

Raj Modi, founder of StrategyExpert.com - the online resource for consulting tools, tips and advice

http://www.strategyexpert.com

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

GMAT or Graduate Management Admission Test is a prerequisite for admission to any prestigious business school. With increasing number of applications received by top business schools, the only way to ensure admission is to secure a high GMAT score. Therefore, whether you are taking the GMAT test for the first time or trying to raise your previous score, it is recommended that you join a GMAT Prep course.

Before you join a course, it is important to find a course that meets your needs. You have to keep in mind both your learning style and your time schedule before you choose a course. Many companies offer traditional school style classroom instructions. However, this may not be a practical choice if you are a working person or if the centre is too far away from where you stay. One of the best ways to take a GMAT course is to identify a good online GMAT Prep course.

The GMAT exam requires strong language skills along with good mathematical expertise. Many students who take the test are bogged down by the syllabi and the complex level of conceptual ability that is required for a good GMAT score. Thus they become stressed out and are unable to perform well during their exams. Keeping this in view, it is important to select a GMAT Prep course online that has an easy course structure and materials. The course itself should be designed to accommodate the needs of working individuals, so that you can access your online GMAT Prep course any time you wish. Many online companies offer easy to learn audio and video clips that make it easy and interesting to learn for GMAT. You should always choose a course that allows you to repeat the course content as many times as you want. Exposure to a number of practice tests before the real test will equip you with important exam management and answering skills.

Some of the best online GMAT Prep courses offer you CDs that allow you to enjoy a private tutoring environment right from the comfort of your home. A good company will also provide 24/7 offline and online support so that you can get your queries resolved without delay. Some companies also provide one-to-one sessions with experienced tutors who will work with you on areas that are difficult. Excellent service and total personal support from the provider are important for good GMAT scores.

Most candidates who appear for the GMAT exams are working on a very tight budget. Therefore, affordability plays an important role in choosing the right online GMAT Prep course. Many online companies offer you multiple plans that you can choose from. This makes it easy for you to choose a plan that suits your budget, test date and availability.

Finally, with thousands of candidates appearing for the GMAT exams, it is important that the online GMAT Prep course you choose provides you with important tips and tricks that will help you perform well in the exam. These strategies may seem irrelevant on the face of it. But, come exam time, and these tips may very well give you a much-needed edge over your competitors.

Get into top colleges with the help of TestCircle.com easy to follow GMAT practice tests and free sample videos online.

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

What type of MBA programs are you applying to? Determining which programs to apply to is an often neglected step in the pre-application process. Some people think that this just happens, but this is not often the case. A clear goal is very necessary for a strong MBA application. Your application should be tailored to your individual situation and needs. It is highly recommended that you begin your application with a good idea of how many schools you wish to target. It is generally recommended that students separate their potential schools into three categories: reach, on-par, and safety. Clearly segmenting these schools before you actually apply will arm you with a goal and focused plan to allocate your resources.

The majority of students aim to target five or 6 schools in one application year. Two reach schools, two at the on-par level, and two safety schools. In all of your applications, it is important that you choose a school where you are competitive as an applicant. This involves looking at a school's average GPA, GMAT score, and work history. Your ideal school list should contain: reach schools where you have a slight chance for acceptance, on-par programs that yield a good chance of acceptance, and safety schools which will give near certain acceptances.

If you are looking for methods to bolster your application status before you hit that submit button, consider improving your GMAT score. The GMAT is the only aspect of the application that offers a fair and uniform comparison across all potential MBA applicants. It is a relatively common fact that Business schools place great weight on a high GMAT score. In fact, if you peruse through top tier business school programs, you will find that all of them have a student body with an average of 650+ GMAT score. Thus, if you find yourself seeking to improve your MBA candidacy, consider investing in a worthwhile GMAT study program to improve your application status.

The GMAT Bootcamp seeks to provide the absolute best GMAT preparation materials available anywhere and to enable individuals to master the GMAT and gain admission to any MBA program. To learn more about us, please visit our web site, http://www.thegmatbootcamp.com

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

Are your numbers really so bad? It may be difficult to find average GPAs, but if you have a 2.6, you know it's low for almost any MBA program. Roughly, except for the most elite schools, a GPA below 3.0 warrants a deliberate effort to counterbalance.

Looking closely at your numbers.

Which numbers are low - GMAT, GPA, or both? If only one of these numbers is low, at least the other number demonstrates your academic ability. Some people are simply not great standardized test-takers. A low GPA often is attributable to the simple fact that college students are still growing up. In fact, a 3.0 GPA that starts out below 3.0 and trends upward consistently, with the final semester or two in the 3.5 range or higher, is not nearly as worrisome as a GPA that trends in the opposite direction.

If both numbers are low, how do they break down? If your GMAT quant score was high and you had solid grades in quant courses in college, that's a plus, because MBA adcoms always look for evidence that the applicant can handle the mathematics involved. If it's the quant side that drags the numbers down, it's more of a problem. The point is, read the nuances of your scores. Assess and interpret the picture that emerges. Then develop an application strategy to address that issue. Low numbers vary significantly in the impression they create, depending on the details.

Addressing low quant scores.

Register at your local community college ASAP for calculus and/or statistics if you haven't taken them -- and earn an A! If you earned a D or F in other quant-oriented courses, consider re-taking them as well. If you have time to take additional quant-oriented courses, such as finance or accounting, it will help even more. In your essays, highlight quantitative aspects of your work to demonstrate proficiency. If you have some say in what your recommenders write, ask them to confirm your quantitative ability.

Addressing low verbal scores.

Consistently low verbal scores will raise a red flag. Your essays are the ideal place to neutralize this concern. They should be expressive and flawlessly written. You also should select examples and anecdotes that highlight your communication skills. So excellent essays are a must. Looking beyond the essays, ask recommenders to comment positively on your verbal skills. Finally, you can take a course at a local college that involves substantial writing, either business related or other.

Evaluating the numbers in the context of your demographic profile.

You must first understand your demographic profile vis-a-vis the MBA applicant pool for your chosen school(s). Regardless of how rare a demographic profile may be, an adcom will not admit an applicant if it believes he cannot handle the coursework. Beyond that, it's really a matter of supply-and-demand. Demographics encompass your ethnicity, nationality, gender, and industry background. It is well known that Indian engineers and computer scientists with high numbers are over-represented in the applicant pool, as are white and Asian male investment bankers with high numbers.

Using your essays to counteract the low numbers.

With low numbers, your first hurdle is demonstrating you're qualified. Your low scores may now be "understandable," but they won't excite the adcom, so your work experience must. "Mine" your work experience for all evidence of accomplishment, leadership, and impact. Show through anecdotes and examples that you are a person who makes a difference on the job beyond what's expected. Exceptional contribution and leadership as a volunteer or in another non-work activity also serve this purpose, though with the low numbers, strong work experience is still essential.

Selecting the right schools.

All schools do not give the "pillars" of your application - GMAT, GPA, work experience - the same weight. Columbia and Stanford will put more weight on the GMAT and/or GPA than others. Some will be more interested in the specific qualities, experience, and demographic factors you bring than will others. Select programs that meet your learning needs. Then focus on those that take a more holistic view of applicants and/or those that favor your distinguishing characteristics.

The optional essay.

If your numbers are below the 80% range, they warrant an acknowledgement and an explanation. Similarly, if extenuating circumstances caused the low numbers, those circumstances are an important part of your profile. The optional essay is often the place to make these statements. If you write the optional essay, make it short and straightforward. Provide a brief explanation, take responsibility, and focus on evidence of your talents that counters the impression made by the low stats.

Creating a thoughtful strategy to counteract the effect of low numbers can transform you from a non-viable to a viable applicant at the schools of your choice. However, it's up to you to show the adcom that the numbers don't define you.

Adrien Brody http://mbalive.net runs an informational website that provides guides to business school and business education.

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

Are your numbers really so bad? It may be difficult to find average GPAs, but if you have a 2.6, you know it's low for almost any MBA program. Roughly, except for the most elite schools, a GPA below 3.0 warrants a deliberate effort to counterbalance.

Looking closely at your numbers.

Which numbers are low - GMAT, GPA, or both? If only one of these numbers is low, at least the other number demonstrates your academic ability. Some people are simply not great standardized test-takers. A low GPA often is attributable to the simple fact that college students are still growing up. In fact, a 3.0 GPA that starts out below 3.0 and trends upward consistently, with the final semester or two in the 3.5 range or higher, is not nearly as worrisome as a GPA that trends in the opposite direction.

If both numbers are low, how do they break down? If your GMAT quant score was high and you had solid grades in quant courses in college, that's a plus, because MBA adcoms always look for evidence that the applicant can handle the mathematics involved. If it's the quant side that drags the numbers down, it's more of a problem. The point is, read the nuances of your scores. Assess and interpret the picture that emerges. Then develop an application strategy to address that issue. Low numbers vary significantly in the impression they create, depending on the details.

Addressing low quant scores.

Register at your local community college ASAP for calculus and/or statistics if you haven't taken them -- and earn an A! If you earned a D or F in other quant-oriented courses, consider re-taking them as well. If you have time to take additional quant-oriented courses, such as finance or accounting, it will help even more. In your essays, highlight quantitative aspects of your work to demonstrate proficiency. If you have some say in what your recommenders write, ask them to confirm your quantitative ability.

Addressing low verbal scores.

Consistently low verbal scores will raise a red flag. Your essays are the ideal place to neutralize this concern. They should be expressive and flawlessly written. You also should select examples and anecdotes that highlight your communication skills. So excellent essays are a must. Looking beyond the essays, ask recommenders to comment positively on your verbal skills. Finally, you can take a course at a local college that involves substantial writing, either business related or other.

Evaluating the numbers in the context of your demographic profile.

You must first understand your demographic profile vis-a-vis the MBA applicant pool for your chosen school(s). Regardless of how rare a demographic profile may be, an adcom will not admit an applicant if it believes he cannot handle the coursework. Beyond that, it's really a matter of supply-and-demand. Demographics encompass your ethnicity, nationality, gender, and industry background. It is well known that Indian engineers and computer scientists with high numbers are over-represented in the applicant pool, as are white and Asian male investment bankers with high numbers.

Using your essays to counteract the low numbers.

With low numbers, your first hurdle is demonstrating you're qualified. Your low scores may now be "understandable," but they won't excite the adcom, so your work experience must. "Mine" your work experience for all evidence of accomplishment, leadership, and impact. Show through anecdotes and examples that you are a person who makes a difference on the job beyond what's expected. Exceptional contribution and leadership as a volunteer or in another non-work activity also serve this purpose, though with the low numbers, strong work experience is still essential.

Selecting the right schools.

All schools do not give the "pillars" of your application - GMAT, GPA, work experience - the same weight. Columbia and Stanford will put more weight on the GMAT and/or GPA than others. Some will be more interested in the specific qualities, experience, and demographic factors you bring than will others. Select programs that meet your learning needs. Then focus on those that take a more holistic view of applicants and/or those that favor your distinguishing characteristics.

The optional essay.

If your numbers are below the 80% range, they warrant an acknowledgement and an explanation. Similarly, if extenuating circumstances caused the low numbers, those circumstances are an important part of your profile. The optional essay is often the place to make these statements. If you write the optional essay, make it short and straightforward. Provide a brief explanation, take responsibility, and focus on evidence of your talents that counters the impression made by the low stats.

Creating a thoughtful strategy to counteract the effect of low numbers can transform you from a non-viable to a viable applicant at the schools of your choice. However, it's up to you to show the adcom that the numbers don't define you.

Adrien Brody http://mbalive.net runs an informational website that provides guides to business school and business education.

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

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), a computer adaptive test in Mathematics and the English language, helps business schools assess the aptitude of applicants towards advanced study in business and management. The test is considered as one of most important selection criteria for getting admission into an MBA program in a prestigious business school. Today, in order to secure admissions in top business schools, students have to secure a high GMAT score. Therefore, whether you are taking the GMAT test for the first time or trying to raise your previous score, taking an online GMAT course, which helps students securing higher GMAT scores, might give you a good boost.

Evaluating an Online GMAT Course

Before joining a course, it is very important to evaluate if the course meets your specific needs. You need to keep in mind both your personal learning style and your time schedule before you enroll in a course. For a working person, traditional classroom style instructions won’t be a good option, as lots of time will be wasted in traveling, thus an Online GMAT course is recommended for working professionals.

Recognized and reputed GMAT coaching classes play an important role in the GMAT preparation cycle and can greatly help obtain good scores in the GMAT. Personalized GMAT diagnostic and review test sessions of online test prep vendors assist GMAT takers in identifying weaker areas where they need to focus while preparing for the GMAT. Most of the reputed online GMAT course providers are taught by instructors who have a history of teaching a number of students for various leading test preparation institutes.


Basics information on the GMAT

Online Vendors offering GMAT Preparatory Courses

Most of the leading test preparation and MBA services companies strive to provide industry leading services that address the entire MBA life cycle. They strive to provide quality GMAT preparation products, admissions consulting, as well as career counseling services and anything that is needed to ensure their student’s MBA success. Some of the common services include:

• GMAT Preparation Courses
• MBA Admissions Consulting

Online GMAT Course

If you are evaluating taking a GMAT course, then it is advisable to go with an online GMAT course as it offers an in-class learning experience through live audio, video, and computerized practice questions to simulate the actual GMAT test environment.

An Online GMAT course is popular among students who do not want traditional school style classroom instructions. Apart from being economical, it also saves students a lot of time.

Gurome.com provides quality GMAT preparation products, MBA Admission Interviews tips as well as career counseling services. It is the best source for getting Online GMAT course and MBA admissions consulting services with complete information about the top business schools.

The MBA admissions interview, which typically happens after candidates are shortlisted from the initial application state, is commonly used by B schools around the world to further qualify applicants. The interview plays a vital role in helping the admissions committee getting to know the students and their “soft skills”. Soft skills can typically be defined as communication, charisma, leadership qualities, and strength of character. These skills are an important part of establishing a firm footage in the business world. The B schools are cashing on the potential selling point of students. They scan and take in the cream layer and hence by, channelize the reputation of the school on to a positive growth graph. To help you bail out successfully through the tormenting waters of the interview, there are many online institutes that come up with their professional guidance.
Let’s decode the conduct of interview first
Just walking past the door with your previous qualifications and the score card of the admission test won’t help you in clearing out the interview round for MBA admission. You need to be an active participant as well. Go through the website of the B school first, so that you are well aware of what they have in store for you and you can clarify your doubts. This act will place you in good light in front of the interviewer. Making your resume and presenting it step by step with relevant justifications is also important. Dressing well and speaking smartly plays positive role in your presentation. Go well prepared with all the possible questions before hand, so that you can express your thoughts confidently, completely and correctly. Interview is your gateway to success; you simply can’t take a chance on it.
Possible interview questions



The questions framed by each B school will certainly differ in language and theme. Yet, there are certain defining questions that help the interviewer to decode you successfully. Most common question can be- Why do you want to join us? You can also expect question like- Why did you opt for MBA? Also, you may face question as- Present your career history to us. These are few of the most likely questions to be asked during your MBA admission program. There is no dearth to the possible questions that can be framed through the interview panels of all B schools round the world. Hence, many MBA tutors are now available online. These people will provide you professional advises on the MBA admission package that includes interview as well. They will help you frame best possible answers to the questions, so that you can clear the interview with a smile. For any possible query in this matter and the possible names of the online tutors of MBA admission programs you can always search the net.

The interview during the MBA admissions can be easily faced through the several online agencies that will help you clear the complete exam- written and interview, successfully. They will help you frame the best possible answers to the most likely questions of the interview.

Gurome.com provides quality GMAT preparation products, MBA Admission Interviews tips as well as career counseling services. It is the best source for getting Online GMAT course and MBA admissions consulting services with complete information about the top business schools.