I would suggest campus visits during your junior year, completing them early in the fall of your senior year. During your visit you should keep in mind the following objectives.

1. Visit At The Appropriate Time

   Be sure to visit while school is in session. If you visit during a break or summer, you will not get a clear picture of what the college or university is really like. You also may miss out on many of the opportunities listed below.

2. Admissions Interview

   Whether or not the school requires an interview, you should always set up a meeting with an admissions representative. This is an excellent opportunity to confirm that the school has the important characteristics you have outlined. If the admissions representative does his/her job effectively, you should leave the meeting with a clear picture of the school's strengths, weaknesses, goals and expectations.

3. Financial Aid Interview

   Specifically request a financial aid appointment when you set up your visit. Some colleges or universities may have their admissions representatives handle this type of initial meeting. However, if possible, try to get at least a short meeting with a financial aid representative. You will be able to address specific questions about scholarships and financial aid forms at this time.

4. Attend Class

   Ask in advance to attend a class in your major. Although classes vary, this will at least give you a sample of the class atmosphere. Keep in mind if the class is a general education requirement or a lower level course, chances are it will be larger than a 300 or 400 level class which is more focused for students within that major. If you're uncertain about your major, attend one of the general education requirement classes.

5. Faculty Appointment

   Schedule an appointment with a professor in your area of interest. This is where you can get more specific questions answered about your major including course requirements, placement rates, internships, co-ops, etc. Ask the questions that are most important to you.

6. Tour Campus

   View the academic buildings, dining hall(s), residence halls, library, athletic facilities, bookstore, administrative offices, student union and any other part of campus that is of interest. At smaller schools you will probably be able to see about every building on campus during your tour. Larger schools may have separate tours for different areas. This is a great opportunity for you to hear from a student and get some "inside" information.

   Psyching Out the Competition: The Educational Psychology of Multimedia Marketing
   Effective marketing relies heavily on educating your target market about your product or service. Therefore it is useful to delve into how educational psychology plays a role in developing effective marketing for your business.Cognitive scientists have discovered three important features of the human information processing system:1. Dual-channels: people have separate information processing channels for visual material and verbal material2. Limited capacity: people can pay attention to only a few pieces of information in each channel at a time3. Active processing: people understand the presented material when they pay attention to the relevant material, organize it into a coherent mental structure and integrate it with their prior knowledge.The implications are that marketing communications should use both visual and verbal forms of presentation in a concise and focused manner that help the audience -- the learners -- to select, organize and integrate the information.Multimedia marketing that allows the audience to use both sight and sound to receive the message can be an extremely effective way to educate customers. But the key to success is the manner in which the multimedia presentation is produced and delivered.Research into the value of story elements including genre, conflict, and character in adult education shows that learners show higher levels of interest in the information and are more likely to be able to construct detailed memory of the information if it is presented as a story. Furthermore, learners are more likely to perceive various cultural qualities of the story and often compare it to personal experiences, thereby internalizing the information and making it their own.Effective multimedia marketing tells the story of your product or service in a way that captures not only the content of the message, but also the meaning and emotion of the message and transforms it into an experience for the audience.Delivery of your marketing message is another impor
   With hundreds of colleges and universities across the country and around the world, the whole idea of choosing one specific school can seem like an overwhelming proposition. You may already be receiving information and viewbooks from places that you never even knew existed. Today more than ever, schools are aggressively recruiting students via telemarketing, direct mail, college fairs, radio, publications, television and of course, the Internet. With so many choices, where do you begin?

   The following steps are designed to help you sift through the myriad of options by asking questions that will eliminate some schools while drawing your attention to those that will best meet your needs.

   STEP 1 - FINDING THE TYPE OF SCHOOL THAT IS BEST FOR YOU.

   The first important step in choosing a college or university is to decide what type of school you most want to attend. You can quickly eliminate many schools by establishing an initial set of requirements. Ask yourself the following questions:

   Am I most interested in a:

   1. Two year or four year school?
   2. Christian or a non-religiously affiliated school?
   3. Location - how far am I willing to go from home?
   4. Urban, suburban, or rural campus?
   5. Larger or smaller enrollment?
   6. Nationally revered or regionally known?

   You should try to have the answers to most of these questions midway through your junior year. Begin by talking with your parent(s) or guidance counselor. Speak with college students at different types of schools. Whether you are in a traditional high school setting, graduated high school years ago, or are homeschooled, seek the opinion of those people you most respect. Ask yourself what aspects of high school you most, and least, enjoy(ed). However, in the end, remember that you are the one who will be attending the school.

   You may notice that cost was not mentioned above. The cost of the school should not be a factor at this early stage. I believe that one of the mistakes made by students and their families is that they eliminate colleges based on cost too early in the decision making process. They often do not understand the financial aid process and how affordable even a private college education can be!

   Before moving on, let's address the issue of academic reputation. Schools that have an exceptional academic reputation can offer unique opportunities. However, there are also many schools that are not as well known that can offer excellent programs and opportunities.

   A smaller or lesser-known school may provide you with the opportunity to become more involved. Holding student leadership and/or student work positions will allow you to gain valuable experience. This can be especially important when considering the competitive job market after graduation. The opportunity to stand out and be recognized will translate into a more impressive resume. These types of schools may also provide more direct interaction with college faculty and staff - individuals in a position to help you with information and recommendations as you consider employment or graduate school.

   The higher profile school certainly has advantages as well. In addition to name recognition, these schools may provide a greater challenge, forcing you to "stretch" yourself further than you have before. The final result may produce a more confident person, better prepared for the rigors of a competitive job market. If the school is larger in size, it may also provide a greater selection of majors, on campus employment and resources.

   Each type of school has its strengths. Your challenge is to discover which is best for you!

   STEP 2 - FOCUSING ON YOUR BEST OPTIONS.

   Once you have established the type of school that will best meet your needs and interests, you can consider numerous factors to further narrow down the field. Some of the factors discussed below may not be important to you, while others may play a critical role in your decision. Remember... it's your call!

   1. Academic Standards

      By looking through a school's admissions material, or placing a call to the admissions office, you can easily learn the academic profile of the "average" student. If your scores and grades place you at the lower end of the academic profile you still may be accepted, but realize that it will likely be a greater challenge. If you are on the higher end, your position as an applicant is obviously enhanced.

   2. Career Planning and Placement

      I believe this may be one of the most overlooked issues when students consider colleges and universities. Make sure that you ask what career planning and placement services are available. Ask about the percentage of students who go on to graduate school and/or find employment in their chosen field after graduating. Also, try to learn the specific placement rates for your particular major/program. One of the primary goals of any college or university should be to help you gain employment in your field or assist you in attending graduate school.

   3. Internships/"Real life experience"

      Ask what internship and co-op type experiences are available in your area(s) of interest. These opportunities may be paid or unpaid. The important thing is that you can gain valuable work experience while still in school. This will help you become more marketable upon graduation. You should view any such opportunity as a chance to build your resume.

   4. Accreditation

      Most schools are accredited by a regional accrediting agency while some individual programs may have a professional or national accrediting agency. For example, The National League for Nursing and the National Association of Schools of Music, professionally accredit some nursing and music programs respectively. If you are looking at a particular program at a school, this may provide a good indication of its strength. However, remember that some majors/programs may not have a professional accrediting agency, but for those that do, this can be an objective way to measure the strength of that program.

   5. Majors/Programs

      You need to be confident that your needs and interests will be met as you consider your major or program of interest. We have already considered two ways to help you determine the strength of an academic program - the job placement rate and professional accreditation (if applicable). However, you can also ask about the percentage of faculty with a doctorate or terminal degree. If you are considering a pre-professional program such as Pre-Medicine, Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Veterinarian Medicine, or Pre-Law, be sure to ask about the placement rate for graduate school. This will provide yet another indicator of the program's strength. Learn what percentage of students who begin the program, actually complete it. Some colleges or universities may allow many students to begin a program and then "weed out" a large number along the way. This may help the school gain a higher placement rate.

   6. Attrition

      " Attrition" is a term that refers to the number of students who drop out or leave the school. You should be aware if a college or university has a lower number of it's students returning after their first year, or if the school graduates only a small percentage of it's students in four years. It's important to know whether or not a school has many students who leave before completing their program. Students may leave for a variety of reasons - they may change majors, can no longer afford the school, were not challenged enough, could not handle the academic program, or perhaps they just didn't like the atmosphere. If you discover that many students are leaving the school because of finances, this may be an indicator that financial aid awards decrease substantially for continuing students, or the cost is increasing at an especially high rate. Ask an admission representative and current students these types of questions to gain an understanding of the attrition rate.

   7. Enrollment History

      You should ask about the school's enrollment history over the past few years. Is enrollment increasing, decreasing or unchanged? There may be good reasons for any increase or decrease in enrollment. Some schools remain at a constant enrollment by choice. They may not have the facilities for additional students or they may have made a decision to increase the academic standards and maintain their current enrollment.

   8. Faculty-to-Student Ratio And Class Size

      Colleges and universities recognize that many students are not content to sit in lecture halls with 300-400 classmates. Learn what you can expect in terms of class size and faculty-to-student ratio. If you are considering a larger school it may be wise to ask for the specific faculty-to-student ratio in your chosen major. If the faculty-to-student ratio is high, be aware that you may be competing with many other students for your professor's ear.

   9. Find Out Who "Teaches" The Classes

      The "instructor" may not always be the professor you thought would be teaching the class. At some colleges and universities, graduate assistants may teach courses, especially the lower level ones. You may be comfortable with this, but learn ahead of time what to expect.

   10. Academic Assistance

       Find out what type of academic assistance is available. Schools may have academic assistance for students with special learning needs, seminars on improving study skills, tutoring, assistance on research papers, supplemental instruction, and/or study groups. Whether you are an "A student" or "struggling", everyone encounters the need for academic help at some point.

   11. Organizations, Clubs And Athletics

       Although probably not as important as other areas, clubs, organizations and athletics can all add to your college experience. Ask about your specific areas of interest. This can be particularly important if, for example, you would like to major in journalism and the school has little opportunity to work on such projects as the yearbook or student newspaper.

   12. Computer Labs And Equipment

       Computer labs and other computer opportunities for many students are essential. Are computers widely available - in dorms, libraries and/or labs? Your dorm room may already be wired to the school's network. Some schools even provide a computer for every freshman.

   STEP 3 - CAMPUS VISITS

   Many schools can meet your needs academically. I believe the greater challenge is in finding a school where you also feel comfortable. Once you have selected a handful (I would suggest three to five), it is critical to visit the campus. Every college in the country seems to have a viewbook with beautiful pictures of trees, buildings and smiling faces. Be assured that schools similar on paper may be very different when you spend time on campus.

   Be honest with yourself - are you really going to attend "The College for "Intellectual Giants" 1,000 miles away without ever visiting? If you are unable, or unwilling, to visit a campus, that school should be immediately removed from your list. Why even consider a school that you will not have the time, energy, and/or money to visit? This would be like buying a house without ever seeing it!

   I would suggest campus visits during your junior year, completing them early in the fall of your senior year. During your visit you should keep in mind the following objectives.

   1. Visit At The Appropriate Time

      Be sure to visit while school is in session. If you visit during a break or summer, you will not get a clear picture of what the college or university is really like. You also may miss out on many of the opportunities listed below.

   2. Admissions Interview

      Whether or not the school requires an interview, you should always set up a meeting with an admissions representative. This is an excellent opportunity to confirm that the school has the important characteristics you have outlined. If the admissions representative does his/her job effectively, you should leave the meeting with a clear picture of the school's strengths, weaknesses, goals and expectations.

   3. Financial Aid Interview

      Specifically request a financial aid appointment when you set up your visit. Some colleges or universities may have their admissions representatives handle this type of initial meeting. However, if possible, try to get at least a short meeting with a financial aid representative. You will be able to address specific questions about scholarships and financial aid forms at this time.

   4. Attend Class

      Ask in advance to attend a class in your major. Although classes vary, this will at least give you a sample of the class atmosphere. Keep in mind if the class is a general education requirement or a lower level course, chances are it will be larger than a 300 or 400 level class which is more focused for students within that major. If you're uncertain about your major, attend one of the general education requirement classes.

   5. Faculty Appointment

      Schedule an appointment with a professor in your area of interest. This is where you can get more specific questions answered about your major including course requirements, placement rates, internships, co-ops, etc. Ask the questions that are most important to you.

   6. Tour Campus

      View the academic buildings, dining hall(s), residence halls, library, athletic facilities, bookstore, administrative offices, student union and any other part of campus that is of interest. At smaller schools you will probably be able to see about every building on campus during your tour. Larger schools may have separate tours for different areas. This is a great opportunity for you to hear from a student and get some "inside" information.

      Is Email Marketing Right For Your Business
      Deciding whether or not email marketing is a good idea for your business can be a difficult process. The concept of email marketing is very simple to understand the process of determining whether or not it is right for your business can be significantly more complicated. This is because you have to consider a number of different factors before making your decision. You should consider your target audience and their propensity to use the Internet, whether or not your message can be effectively states in an email and whether or not your message is likely to be misinterpreted as spam. All of these factors are important and can help you determine whether or not email marketing is right for your business.One of the most important factors to consider when deciding whether or not to invest your money, energy and time into email marketing is your target audience and how likely they are to use the Internet regularly. This is important because an email marketing campaign is not worthwhile if members of your target audience are not likely to use the Internet to purchase or research the products or services you offer. Even if the use the Internet for other purposes it is not worthwhile because they will not be likely to become online customers for your products or services. However, if you have a target audience who is very likely to use the Internet to purchase the products or services you offer and to research these items, an email marketing campaign is a good idea. In this case it is absolutely worthwhile because you will be providing information which the members of your target audience will find useful and which they may already be looking for elsewhere.Next you should consider the products and services you offer in an attempt to determine whether or not your message can be effectively stated in an email. This is important because if you offer a product or service which is difficult to explain the emails you use for marketing are not likely to be understood or well received by the recipients of your email distribution list
      n. The opportunity to stand out and be recognized will translate into a more impressive resume. These types of schools may also provide more direct interaction with college faculty and staff - individuals in a position to help you with information and recommendations as you consider employment or graduate school.

      The higher profile school certainly has advantages as well. In addition to name recognition, these schools may provide a greater challenge, forcing you to "stretch" yourself further than you have before. The final result may produce a more confident person, better prepared for the rigors of a competitive job market. If the school is larger in size, it may also provide a greater selection of majors, on campus employment and resources.

      Each type of school has its strengths. Your challenge is to discover which is best for you!

      STEP 2 - FOCUSING ON YOUR BEST OPTIONS.

      Once you have established the type of school that will best meet your needs and interests, you can consider numerous factors to further narrow down the field. Some of the factors discussed below may not be important to you, while others may play a critical role in your decision. Remember... it's your call!

      1. Academic Standards

         By looking through a school's admissions material, or placing a call to the admissions office, you can easily learn the academic profile of the "average" student. If your scores and grades place you at the lower end of the academic profile you still may be accepted, but realize that it will likely be a greater challenge. If you are on the higher end, your position as an applicant is obviously enhanced.

      2. Career Planning and Placement

         I believe this may be one of the most overlooked issues when students consider colleges and universities. Make sure that you ask what career planning and placement services are available. Ask about the percentage of students who go on to graduate school and/or find employment in their chosen field after graduating. Also, try to learn the specific placement rates for your particular major/program. One of the primary goals of any college or university should be to help you gain employment in your field or assist you in attending graduate school.

      3. Internships/"Real life experience"

         Ask what internship and co-op type experiences are available in your area(s) of interest. These opportunities may be paid or unpaid. The important thing is that you can gain valuable work experience while still in school. This will help you become more marketable upon graduation. You should view any such opportunity as a chance to build your resume.

      4. Accreditation

         Most schools are accredited by a regional accrediting agency while some individual programs may have a professional or national accrediting agency. For example, The National League for Nursing and the National Association of Schools of Music, professionally accredit some nursing and music programs respectively. If you are looking at a particular program at a school, this may provide a good indication of its strength. However, remember that some majors/programs may not have a professional accrediting agency, but for those that do, this can be an objective way to measure the strength of that program.

      5. Majors/Programs

         You need to be confident that your needs and interests will be met as you consider your major or program of interest. We have already considered two ways to help you determine the strength of an academic program - the job placement rate and professional accreditation (if applicable). However, you can also ask about the percentage of faculty with a doctorate or terminal degree. If you are considering a pre-professional program such as Pre-Medicine, Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Veterinarian Medicine, or Pre-Law, be sure to ask about the placement rate for graduate school. This will provide yet another indicator of the program's strength. Learn what percentage of students who begin the program, actually complete it. Some colleges or universities may allow many students to begin a program and then "weed out" a large number along the way. This may help the school gain a higher placement rate.

      6. Attrition

         " Attrition" is a term that refers to the number of students who drop out or leave the school. You should be aware if a college or university has a lower number of it's students returning after their first year, or if the school graduates only a small percentage of it's students in four years. It's important to know whether or not a school has many students who leave before completing their program. Students may leave for a variety of reasons - they may change majors, can no longer afford the school, were not challenged enough, could not handle the academic program, or perhaps they just didn't like the atmosphere. If you discover that many students are leaving the school because of finances, this may be an indicator that financial aid awards decrease substantially for continuing students, or the cost is increasing at an especially high rate. Ask an admission representative and current students these types of questions to gain an understanding of the attrition rate.

      7. Enrollment History

         You should ask about the school's enrollment history over the past few years. Is enrollment increasing, decreasing or unchanged? There may be good reasons for any increase or decrease in enrollment. Some schools remain at a constant enrollment by choice. They may not have the facilities for additional students or they may have made a decision to increase the academic standards and maintain their current enrollment.

      8. Faculty-to-Student Ratio And Class Size

         Colleges and universities recognize that many students are not content to sit in lecture halls with 300-400 classmates. Learn what you can expect in terms of class size and faculty-to-student ratio. If you are considering a larger school it may be wise to ask for the specific faculty-to-student ratio in your chosen major. If the faculty-to-student ratio is high, be aware that you may be competing with many other students for your professor's ear.

      9. Find Out Who "Teaches" The Classes

         The "instructor" may not always be the professor you thought would be teaching the class. At some colleges and universities, graduate assistants may teach courses, especially the lower level ones. You may be comfortable with this, but learn ahead of time what to expect.

      10. Academic Assistance

          Find out what type of academic assistance is available. Schools may have academic assistance for students with special learning needs, seminars on improving study skills, tutoring, assistance on research papers, supplemental instruction, and/or study groups. Whether you are an "A student" or "struggling", everyone encounters the need for academic help at some point.

      11. Organizations, Clubs And Athletics

          Although probably not as important as other areas, clubs, organizations and athletics can all add to your college experience. Ask about your specific areas of interest. This can be particularly important if, for example, you would like to major in journalism and the school has little opportunity to work on such projects as the yearbook or student newspaper.

      12. Computer Labs And Equipment

          Computer labs and other computer opportunities for many students are essential. Are computers widely available - in dorms, libraries and/or labs? Your dorm room may already be wired to the school's network. Some schools even provide a computer for every freshman.

      STEP 3 - CAMPUS VISITS

      Many schools can meet your needs academically. I believe the greater challenge is in finding a school where you also feel comfortable. Once you have selected a handful (I would suggest three to five), it is critical to visit the campus. Every college in the country seems to have a viewbook with beautiful pictures of trees, buildings and smiling faces. Be assured that schools similar on paper may be very different when you spend time on campus.

      Be honest with yourself - are you really going to attend "The College for "Intellectual Giants" 1,000 miles away without ever visiting? If you are unable, or unwilling, to visit a campus, that school should be immediately removed from your list. Why even consider a school that you will not have the time, energy, and/or money to visit? This would be like buying a house without ever seeing it!

      I would suggest campus visits during your junior year, completing them early in the fall of your senior year. During your visit you should keep in mind the following objectives.

      1. Visit At The Appropriate Time

         Be sure to visit while school is in session. If you visit during a break or summer, you will not get a clear picture of what the college or university is really like. You also may miss out on many of the opportunities listed below.

      2. Admissions Interview

         Whether or not the school requires an interview, you should always set up a meeting with an admissions representative. This is an excellent opportunity to confirm that the school has the important characteristics you have outlined. If the admissions representative does his/her job effectively, you should leave the meeting with a clear picture of the school's strengths, weaknesses, goals and expectations.

      3. Financial Aid Interview

         Specifically request a financial aid appointment when you set up your visit. Some colleges or universities may have their admissions representatives handle this type of initial meeting. However, if possible, try to get at least a short meeting with a financial aid representative. You will be able to address specific questions about scholarships and financial aid forms at this time.

      4. Attend Class

         Ask in advance to attend a class in your major. Although classes vary, this will at least give you a sample of the class atmosphere. Keep in mind if the class is a general education requirement or a lower level course, chances are it will be larger than a 300 or 400 level class which is more focused for students within that major. If you're uncertain about your major, attend one of the general education requirement classes.

      5. Faculty Appointment

         Schedule an appointment with a professor in your area of interest. This is where you can get more specific questions answered about your major including course requirements, placement rates, internships, co-ops, etc. Ask the questions that are most important to you.

      6. Tour Campus

         View the academic buildings, dining hall(s), residence halls, library, athletic facilities, bookstore, administrative offices, student union and any other part of campus that is of interest. At smaller schools you will probably be able to see about every building on campus during your tour. Larger schools may have separate tours for different areas. This is a great opportunity for you to hear from a student and get some "inside" information.

         Payroll Management - Start Planning Now
         Payroll management is an issue that is never too early to start considering. Obviously, in the early stages of your business, your payroll management will consist of paying yourself. As your business grows you will have to concern yourself with compensation for you and your employees.Payroll management in a business that has employees requires planning for salaries and hourly wages. There will also be payments to subcontractors for technical and sales related services to consider. You will eventually become too busy to do it all yourself and you will need help.Before you get to the stage where you need to hire additional help, it is a wise strategic move to think about your payroll management needs and plan accordingly.Payroll Management Issues Salary versus hourly wage Bonuses and commissions Compensation Package - vacation pay, time off, sick days, holidays Employee Benefits - health care, dental plan, pension Insurance - Disability and LifeA common aspect of payroll management that gets overlooked is payroll taxes. No matter what you do, you can't avoid these for either yourself or your employees. The employer's portion of payroll taxes will cost you money. Effective payroll management takes this expense into consideration from the start.The Bottom Line on Payroll ManagementPayroll management is an issue you need to think abut before you have employees. Even if the payroll roster is just you, your business will still have payroll expenses. It is never too early to start thinking strategically about your payroll management. You should be formulating a plan for handling employees and subcontractors and the expenses that come along with them, long before you actually need them.Copyright MMI-MMVI, Small Business Computer Consulting .com. All Worldwide Rights Reserved. {Attention Publishers: Live hyperlink in author resource box required for copyright compliance}
         have a professional or national accrediting agency. For example, The National League for Nursing and the National Association of Schools of Music, professionally accredit some nursing and music programs respectively. If you are looking at a particular program at a school, this may provide a good indication of its strength. However, remember that some majors/programs may not have a professional accrediting agency, but for those that do, this can be an objective way to measure the strength of that program.

      7. Majors/Programs

         You need to be confident that your needs and interests will be met as you consider your major or program of interest. We have already considered two ways to help you determine the strength of an academic program - the job placement rate and professional accreditation (if applicable). However, you can also ask about the percentage of faculty with a doctorate or terminal degree. If you are considering a pre-professional program such as Pre-Medicine, Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Veterinarian Medicine, or Pre-Law, be sure to ask about the placement rate for graduate school. This will provide yet another indicator of the program's strength. Learn what percentage of students who begin the program, actually complete it. Some colleges or universities may allow many students to begin a program and then "weed out" a large number along the way. This may help the school gain a higher placement rate.

      8. Attrition

         " Attrition" is a term that refers to the number of students who drop out or leave the school. You should be aware if a college or university has a lower number of it's students returning after their first year, or if the school graduates only a small percentage of it's students in four years. It's important to know whether or not a school has many students who leave before completing their program. Students may leave for a variety of reasons - they may change majors, can no longer afford the school, were not challenged enough, could not handle the academic program, or perhaps they just didn't like the atmosphere. If you discover that many students are leaving the school because of finances, this may be an indicator that financial aid awards decrease substantially for continuing students, or the cost is increasing at an especially high rate. Ask an admission representative and current students these types of questions to gain an understanding of the attrition rate.

      9. Enrollment History

         You should ask about the school's enrollment history over the past few years. Is enrollment increasing, decreasing or unchanged? There may be good reasons for any increase or decrease in enrollment. Some schools remain at a constant enrollment by choice. They may not have the facilities for additional students or they may have made a decision to increase the academic standards and maintain their current enrollment.

      10. Faculty-to-Student Ratio And Class Size

          Colleges and universities recognize that many students are not content to sit in lecture halls with 300-400 classmates. Learn what you can expect in terms of class size and faculty-to-student ratio. If you are considering a larger school it may be wise to ask for the specific faculty-to-student ratio in your chosen major. If the faculty-to-student ratio is high, be aware that you may be competing with many other students for your professor's ear.

      11. Find Out Who "Teaches" The Classes

          The "instructor" may not always be the professor you thought would be teaching the class. At some colleges and universities, graduate assistants may teach courses, especially the lower level ones. You may be comfortable with this, but learn ahead of time what to expect.

      12. Academic Assistance

          Find out what type of academic assistance is available. Schools may have academic assistance for students with special learning needs, seminars on improving study skills, tutoring, assistance on research papers, supplemental instruction, and/or study groups. Whether you are an "A student" or "struggling", everyone encounters the need for academic help at some point.

      13. Organizations, Clubs And Athletics

          Although probably not as important as other areas, clubs, organizations and athletics can all add to your college experience. Ask about your specific areas of interest. This can be particularly important if, for example, you would like to major in journalism and the school has little opportunity to work on such projects as the yearbook or student newspaper.

      14. Computer Labs And Equipment

          Computer labs and other computer opportunities for many students are essential. Are computers widely available - in dorms, libraries and/or labs? Your dorm room may already be wired to the school's network. Some schools even provide a computer for every freshman.

      STEP 3 - CAMPUS VISITS

      Many schools can meet your needs academically. I believe the greater challenge is in finding a school where you also feel comfortable. Once you have selected a handful (I would suggest three to five), it is critical to visit the campus. Every college in the country seems to have a viewbook with beautiful pictures of trees, buildings and smiling faces. Be assured that schools similar on paper may be very different when you spend time on campus.

      Be honest with yourself - are you really going to attend "The College for "Intellectual Giants" 1,000 miles away without ever visiting? If you are unable, or unwilling, to visit a campus, that school should be immediately removed from your list. Why even consider a school that you will not have the time, energy, and/or money to visit? This would be like buying a house without ever seeing it!

      I would suggest campus visits during your junior year, completing them early in the fall of your senior year. During your visit you should keep in mind the following objectives.

      1. Visit At The Appropriate Time

         Be sure to visit while school is in session. If you visit during a break or summer, you will not get a clear picture of what the college or university is really like. You also may miss out on many of the opportunities listed below.

      2. Admissions Interview

         Whether or not the school requires an interview, you should always set up a meeting with an admissions representative. This is an excellent opportunity to confirm that the school has the important characteristics you have outlined. If the admissions representative does his/her job effectively, you should leave the meeting with a clear picture of the school's strengths, weaknesses, goals and expectations.

      3. Financial Aid Interview

         Specifically request a financial aid appointment when you set up your visit. Some colleges or universities may have their admissions representatives handle this type of initial meeting. However, if possible, try to get at least a short meeting with a financial aid representative. You will be able to address specific questions about scholarships and financial aid forms at this time.

      4. Attend Class

         Ask in advance to attend a class in your major. Although classes vary, this will at least give you a sample of the class atmosphere. Keep in mind if the class is a general education requirement or a lower level course, chances are it will be larger than a 300 or 400 level class which is more focused for students within that major. If you're uncertain about your major, attend one of the general education requirement classes.

      5. Faculty Appointment

         Schedule an appointment with a professor in your area of interest. This is where you can get more specific questions answered about your major including course requirements, placement rates, internships, co-ops, etc. Ask the questions that are most important to you.

      6. Tour Campus

         View the academic buildings, dining hall(s), residence halls, library, athletic facilities, bookstore, administrative offices, student union and any other part of campus that is of interest. At smaller schools you will probably be able to see about every building on campus during your tour. Larger schools may have separate tours for different areas. This is a great opportunity for you to hear from a student and get some "inside" information.

         A Look Ahead to 2008 (Part I)
         Just as everyone has breathed a sigh of relief at the end of 2004 presidential campaign, I would like to take a quick look ahead to 2008. Unless George W. Bush is unable to complete his second term, 2008 will bring the third open presidential election (no incumbent running) in 20 years. Even though that's still four years into the future, the campaign will be unofficially getting underway almost immediately. Therefore, many of the potential candidates can already be identified and there should be no shortage of them on either side.Today, I will be taking a look at the potential Republican candidates. Among them are Arizona Senator John McCain, Tennessee Senator Bill Frist, Florida Governor Jeb Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge, Virginia Senator George Allen, and National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice.John McCain is probably in the best position to capture the GOP nomination, should he decide to run. He was beaten by Bush in the 2000 primaries, but he has since been one of the President's most loyal supporters, despite some differences of opinion. McCain is one of the most popular politicians in the U.S. and won re-election to his Senate seat last week with more than 70% of the vote! Unlike the Democrats, the Republicans have a history of sometimes awarding their nomination to someone who has waited his turn. A case in point is Bob Dole, who was rejected in his bids for the nomination in 1980 and 1988, only to finally get it in 1996.Bill Frist is a surgeon is who was first elected to the Senate during the Republican Revolution of 1994. He is now the majority leader of the Senate and should benefit from the GOP's pick-up of four additional seats in this election cycle. Frist seems to be well liked by all factions of the party. He would probably have the inside track to the Republican nomination if McCain decides not to run.Jeb Bush would like to continue a
         a decision to increase the academic standards and maintain their current enrollment.

      7. Faculty-to-Student Ratio And Class Size

         Colleges and universities recognize that many students are not content to sit in lecture halls with 300-400 classmates. Learn what you can expect in terms of class size and faculty-to-student ratio. If you are considering a larger school it may be wise to ask for the specific faculty-to-student ratio in your chosen major. If the faculty-to-student ratio is high, be aware that you may be competing with many other students for your professor's ear.

      8. Find Out Who "Teaches" The Classes

         The "instructor" may not always be the professor you thought would be teaching the class. At some colleges and universities, graduate assistants may teach courses, especially the lower level ones. You may be comfortable with this, but learn ahead of time what to expect.

      9. Academic Assistance

         Find out what type of academic assistance is available. Schools may have academic assistance for students with special learning needs, seminars on improving study skills, tutoring, assistance on research papers, supplemental instruction, and/or study groups. Whether you are an "A student" or "struggling", everyone encounters the need for academic help at some point.

      10. Organizations, Clubs And Athletics

          Although probably not as important as other areas, clubs, organizations and athletics can all add to your college experience. Ask about your specific areas of interest. This can be particularly important if, for example, you would like to major in journalism and the school has little opportunity to work on such projects as the yearbook or student newspaper.

      11. Computer Labs And Equipment

          Computer labs and other computer opportunities for many students are essential. Are computers widely available - in dorms, libraries and/or labs? Your dorm room may already be wired to the school's network. Some schools even provide a computer for every freshman.

      STEP 3 - CAMPUS VISITS

      Many schools can meet your needs academically. I believe the greater challenge is in finding a school where you also feel comfortable. Once you have selected a handful (I would suggest three to five), it is critical to visit the campus. Every college in the country seems to have a viewbook with beautiful pictures of trees, buildings and smiling faces. Be assured that schools similar on paper may be very different when you spend time on campus.

      Be honest with yourself - are you really going to attend "The College for "Intellectual Giants" 1,000 miles away without ever visiting? If you are unable, or unwilling, to visit a campus, that school should be immediately removed from your list. Why even consider a school that you will not have the time, energy, and/or money to visit? This would be like buying a house without ever seeing it!

      I would suggest campus visits during your junior year, completing them early in the fall of your senior year. During your visit you should keep in mind the following objectives.

      1. Visit At The Appropriate Time

         Be sure to visit while school is in session. If you visit during a break or summer, you will not get a clear picture of what the college or university is really like. You also may miss out on many of the opportunities listed below.

      2. Admissions Interview

         Whether or not the school requires an interview, you should always set up a meeting with an admissions representative. This is an excellent opportunity to confirm that the school has the important characteristics you have outlined. If the admissions representative does his/her job effectively, you should leave the meeting with a clear picture of the school's strengths, weaknesses, goals and expectations.

      3. Financial Aid Interview

         Specifically request a financial aid appointment when you set up your visit. Some colleges or universities may have their admissions representatives handle this type of initial meeting. However, if possible, try to get at least a short meeting with a financial aid representative. You will be able to address specific questions about scholarships and financial aid forms at this time.

      4. Attend Class

         Ask in advance to attend a class in your major. Although classes vary, this will at least give you a sample of the class atmosphere. Keep in mind if the class is a general education requirement or a lower level course, chances are it will be larger than a 300 or 400 level class which is more focused for students within that major. If you're uncertain about your major, attend one of the general education requirement classes.

      5. Faculty Appointment

         Schedule an appointment with a professor in your area of interest. This is where you can get more specific questions answered about your major including course requirements, placement rates, internships, co-ops, etc. Ask the questions that are most important to you.

      6. Tour Campus

         View the academic buildings, dining hall(s), residence halls, library, athletic facilities, bookstore, administrative offices, student union and any other part of campus that is of interest. At smaller schools you will probably be able to see about every building on campus during your tour. Larger schools may have separate tours for different areas. This is a great opportunity for you to hear from a student and get some "inside" information.

         Knowledge Management
         Knowledge Management (KM) refers to a range of practices and techniques used by organizations to identify, represent and distribute knowledge, know-how, expertise, intellectual capital and other forms of knowledge for leverage, reuse and transfer of knowledge and learning across the organization. It suffices crucial issues on organizational adaptation, survival, and competence threatened by unpredictable environmental change.Generally, it represents the organizational processes that aim synchronous coalition of data and information processing capacity of information technologies, and the ingenious capacity of human beings.In simpler terms, knowledge management strives to make the most out of the knowledge that is available to an organization, generating understanding, incrementing awareness and knowledge in the process.Knowledge management is an evolving discipline. While knowledge transfer (an aspect of KM) has always existed in one form or another, formally through apprenticeship, the maintenance of corporate libraries, professional training and mentoring programs, and — since the late twentieth century — technologically through knowledge bases, expert systems, and other knowledge repositories,KM programs claim to consciously evaluate and manage the process of accumulation, creation and application of knowledge which is also referred to by some as intellectual capital. KM has therefore attempted to bring under one rubric various strands of thought and practice relating to intellectual capital in the economy; the idea of the learning organization; various enabling organizational practices; and various enabling technologies.Knowledge management may be viewed from different perspectives. Techno-centric view focuses on technologies, ideally those that enhance knowledge sharing & growth, frequently any technology that does fancy stuff with information. Theoretical view concentrates on the underlying concepts of knowledge and truth. People view engages on bringing people together and helping them ex
         ld be immediately removed from your list. Why even consider a school that you will not have the time, energy, and/or money to visit? This would be like buying a house without ever seeing it!

         I would suggest campus visits during your junior year, completing them early in the fall of your senior year. During your visit you should keep in mind the following objectives.

         1. Visit At The Appropriate Time

            Be sure to visit while school is in session. If you visit during a break or summer, you will not get a clear picture of what the college or university is really like. You also may miss out on many of the opportunities listed below.

         2. Admissions Interview

            Whether or not the school requires an interview, you should always set up a meeting with an admissions representative. This is an excellent opportunity to confirm that the school has the important characteristics you have outlined. If the admissions representative does his/her job effectively, you should leave the meeting with a clear picture of the school's strengths, weaknesses, goals and expectations.

         3. Financial Aid Interview

            Specifically request a financial aid appointment when you set up your visit. Some colleges or universities may have their admissions representatives handle this type of initial meeting. However, if possible, try to get at least a short meeting with a financial aid representative. You will be able to address specific questions about scholarships and financial aid forms at this time.

         4. Attend Class

            Ask in advance to attend a class in your major. Although classes vary, this will at least give you a sample of the class atmosphere. Keep in mind if the class is a general education requirement or a lower level course, chances are it will be larger than a 300 or 400 level class which is more focused for students within that major. If you're uncertain about your major, attend one of the general education requirement classes.

         5. Faculty Appointment

            Schedule an appointment with a professor in your area of interest. This is where you can get more specific questions answered about your major including course requirements, placement rates, internships, co-ops, etc. Ask the questions that are most important to you.

         6. Tour Campus

            View the academic buildings, dining hall(s), residence halls, library, athletic facilities, bookstore, administrative offices, student union and any other part of campus that is of interest. At smaller schools you will probably be able to see about every building on campus during your tour. Larger schools may have separate tours for different areas. This is a great opportunity for you to hear from a student and get some "inside" information. Get student opinions regarding professors, classes, social activities, residence halls, etc. Be sure to ask what they like least about the school as well.

         7. Eat In The Dining Hall

            Have at least one meal in the dining hall. This will give you an idea of the quality of food. While I would never recommend choosing one school over another just because of food, it is one more factor you may wish to consider.

         8. Stay Overnight

            I believe that an overnight stay can be extremely helpful. This will give you a more informal look at the college atmosphere. You will probably be staying with a student. This will provide an opportunity to ask questions in a less structured setting. You may be surprised how much a night on campus can sway your opinion - negatively or positively.

         9. Open-House Versus Individual Visit

            Both structured programs and individual visits have their advantages, and both are worth doing if time permits. Visiting a campus twice may be more feasible if you have narrowed down your options to just two or three schools. The advantage of an open house is that the school will have a schedule already established. The open house will probably be more "polished" and you may feel more comfortable with other prospective students present. The disadvantage of the open house format is that it is less focused on your specific concerns and interests. If your only visit to campus is for an open house, be sure that the appointments with admissions, financial aid, and faculty are still covered. If not, try to schedule time for these appointments before or after the open house, or plan a second visit to the campus if you're serious about the school.

         10. Be Consistent

             As much as possible, follow the same process with each school you visit. Don't stay overnight at one school and not the other, or attend class at one and only speak with a professor at another. Having similar visits at each school provides a fair comparison.