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A Career in Graphic Design - Peterson's A Career in Graphic Design Have you ever been seduced into buyingomething by a wildly creative ad or at least been tempted to try it out How many of the choices you make when shopping at the mall were influenced by an ad or a phrase or a picture, r all of the above If you know how powerful imagery can be in influencing your habits, then you know that marketing and advertising re big business. Job overview For an artist with n eye foreople and their needs and desires, graphic design seems a logical choice t allows you totilize your talentn a productive and satisfying career. In the arts industries, the graphic design area is expected to continue to grow at an average pace, and to create ore job availability than all the other creative arts industries combined. Our fast-paced world of video entertainment and nline design relies heavily on the talents of designers, hich is also the case in ther media-heavy realms of advertising, such as publishing and merchandising. Opportunities to specialize in various media forms and industries abound. A noticeable talent, a degree, people skills, and a reputable portfolio are the key elements for landing a top job in graphic design. Types of jobs Graphic design offers a diverse choice of specialties, ranging from commercial and industrial design (cars, furniture, appliances, etc.) to advertising media (merchandising, marketing, Web design, newspapers, and publishing). Of the more than half a million designer jobs in the United States, positions in graphic esign comprise about 40 percent. The impact of esign is everywhere in the layout of People magazine, on your Starbucks coffee cup, in the logo of thisite, and perhaps in the design of the chair you're sitting in right now. It would take a page or more to list all the positions available in the industry, so what's important to know is that there are many specialties nd you can choose whichever direction most appeals to you. Salary potential In spite of the millions of dollars made by advertising firms and by the companies they represent, the graphic designers are not at the top of the heap when it comes to the big bucks. With salaries averaging in the mid-thirties, you can expect to make a decent living, but as with any job, it's time, talent, and advancement that will bring the promotion to reative Director nd the bigger salary that goes with it. Freelancers, quite common in the industry, can also make good money, but must bear the costs of running their own business and the financial risks of operating solo. Required education Some graphic designers are self-taught. For the most part, though, you'll need a minimum of a bachelor's degree, nd you'll obviously need to be familiar the software used to create and modify designs. Creativity and talent are must, but to be competitive, a portfolio of accomplished work is essential to landing the best job;t may be the only difference between you and the next applicant. A keen ability to analyze and understand what customers need and the ability to translate those needsisually is an inherent talent that you may need more than schooling to acquire. Without some basic instincts and skills, a degree may get you a job, but it won't make you marketable for the top jobs. However, a degree from a school that specializes in fine arts or graphic design may go a long way in developing not just your creative skills, but your analytical ones as well.

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What is My Peterson Enter Username Enter Password: Go Forgot Username/Password New User Register Now! Find out more about... Guide to college planning Reasons to Consider a Private School These days, private schools come in all shapes and sizes, including ay, boarding, and semester schools. Each has its own merits and unique approach to secondary education, but how do you etermine the best option for your child To find the "right" school, define what you want before you start looking. The private school classroom If you believe that academic rigor and high expectations will increase your child's performance and better his or her chances for a successful future, then private schools are a great option. The high academic standards of many private schools re the leading reason so manyamilies choose them for their children. You might also considerhedea of specialization. If your child has a particular interest, hether it's marine studies or Latin dance, it's quite possible that there's a school that will allow exploration of it within the context of an organized program. At the most selective colleges, admission committees seek students who have a "hook" that is, a talent or attribute that makes them stand out. Early immersion in specialized study ertainly won't hurt your child, but it ill enhanceis or her�ducational experience. While private schools offer some advantages, eep in mind that many public and magnet schools also offer competitive academic and extracurricular programs. Don't rule anything out, especially in the beginning. After all, youroal is to find the school that's best for your child. The social factor For some parents, placing their child into a controlled social environment is n importantactor. Most private schools strongly encourage studentnteraction both in and out of the classroom. Your child ay forge lifelong friendships while actively developingis or heralents and interests. This depth of participation may also translate favorably on a college application. If active participation and interaction appeal to you, rivate schools ften giveou the chance to be a dynamic part of your child's education. At private schools, it's very common for both students and their families to be heavily involved. In many cases, it's almost as if the entire family attends! Student concerns It's most likely that you'll be the one tonitiate the private school search, but it could be your mbitious child that rings the issue to the table. Either way, encourage your hild to provide input on the matter. Make it clear that you won't negotiate on the final decision, but also be clear thatis or heroals and opinions are important to you and will be taken under consideration when a decision is made. Ultimately, our childs the one who will attend the school. Invest energy into making your son or daughter a part of the search process. It will pay off later! What's Next

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Did You Know Days schools offer the benefits of a private school, but without the overnight requirement. Learn more Home | Colleges | Grad Schools | Career Colleges | Online Learning | Private Schools | SAT/ACT Prep | Visual/Performing Arts Semester Schools: Program Sampler - Peterson's What is My Peterson Enter Username Enter Password: Go Forgot Username/Password New User Register Now! Find out more about... Guide to college planning Semester Schools: Program Sampler Considering a semester program Below is just a sampling of the options available to students looking to add some excitement to their school year. Enjoy your search! CITYterm Now in its eighth year, CITYterm is an interdisciplinary, experience-based program that takes 30 juniors and seniors from across the country and engages them in a semester-long study of New York City. CITYterm students typically spend three days a week in the classroom, reading, writing, and thinking about New York City, and three days a week in the city working on projects, studying diverse neighborhoods, or meeting with politicians, urban historians, authors, artists, actors, and various city experts. Much of the excitement of CITYterm comes from experiencing firsthand in the city what has been studied in the classroom. Many of the projects are done in collaborative teams where the groups engage not only in formal academic research at the city's libraries but also use the resources of New York City's residents and institutions to gather the information necessary for presentations. Students come to see themselves as the active creators of their own learning both in the classroom and in the world. Learn more about CITYterm by visiting TheMastersSchool.com. Coastal Studies for Girls Coastal Studies for Girls mission is to provide high school sophomore girls with an academic, experiential, and inspirational learning opportunity that engages them in scientific inquiry, leadership development, critical thinking, problem solving, and environmental stewardship. Further, the primary goal is to encourage students to continue in science, math, and technology as they frame their educational and career aspirations for the future. Our school is a 16 week residential program, located in coastal Maine at Wolfe Neck Farm, near Freeport. Students are actively engaged in coastal marine ecosystems, environmental science, and real-time research projects. All students also enroll in leadership adventure, English, world history, mathematics, and rench or Spanish. The entire student body of 32 girls lives residentially in a dorm with dedicated, carefully chosen men and women faculty. Though the school is land-based, we also partner with the World Ocean School, giving each student a week aboard the 137-foot schooner The Roseway, sailing the coast of Maine . A guest lecture series and scholars-in-residence program are additional highlights. More information on Coastal Studies for Girls can be found at a href="www. .org" target="_blank" www. .org. Island School The Island School, founded in 1999 by The Lawrenceville School, is an independent academic program in the Bahamas for high school sophomores or juniors. The fourteen-week academic course of study includes honors classes in science, field research (a laboratory course), history, math, art, English literature, and physical/outdoor education and a weekly community service component. All courses are place-based and explicitly linked, taking advantage of the school's surroundings to both deepen understandings of complex academic and social issues and to make those understandings lasting by connecting course content with experience. Students apply their investigative, interpretive, and problem-solving skills during four- and eight-day kayaking expeditions, SCUBA diving opportunities, teaching environmental issues to local students, and in daily life at the school. In addition to traditional classroom assessments, students conduct research on mangrove communities, coastal management, artificial reefs, permaculture, and marine protected areas. These projects support national research and are conducted under the auspices of the Bahamian government. At the conclusion of the semester, students present their work to a panel of visiting scientists and educators, including local and national government officials from the Bahamas. The opportunity to interact with the local community through research, outreach, and the rigorous physical and academic schedule creates a transformative experience for students. The admissions process is competitive, and selected students demonstrate solid academic performance, leadership potential, and a high degree of self-motivation. Contact the Island School for more information at IslandSchool.org. The Maine Coast Semester The Maine Coast Semester (MCS) offers a small group of eleventh-grade students the chance to live and work on a 400-acre saltwater peninsula with the goal of exploring the natural world through courses in natural science, environmental issues, art, history, literature, mathematics, and foreign language. Since 1988, MCS has welcomed more than 1, 000 students from more than 200 public and private schools across the country and in Canada . The MCS community is small-38 students and 15 faculty members-and the application process is competitive. In addition to their studies, students work for several hours each afternoon on an organic farm, in a wood lot, or on maintenance and construction projects. Students who attend MCS are highly motivated, capable, and willing to take the risk of leaving friends and family for a portion of their high school career. They enjoy hard work, both intellectual and physical, and they demonstrate a tangible desire to contribute to the world. MCS students return to their schools with self-confidence, an appreciation for the struggles and rewards of community living, and an increased sense of ownership of their education. For information on The Maine Coast Semester, go to Chewonki.org. The Mountain School The Mountain School of Milton Academy, founded in 1984, hosts 45 high school juniors from private and public schools throughout the United States who have chosen to spend four months on a working organic farm in Vermont. Courses provide a demanding and integrated learning experience, taking full advantage of the school's small size and mountain campus. Students and adults develop a social contract of mutual trust that expects individual and communal responsibility, models the values of simplicity and sustainability, and challenges teenagers to engage in meaningful work. Students live with teachers in small houses and help make important decisions concerning how to live together and manage the farm. Courses offered include English, environmental science, U.S history, and all levels of math, physics, chemistry, Spanish, French, Latin, studio art, and humanities. All courses are AP or honors level. To learn more about The Mountain School, please visit MountainSchool.org. Rocky Mountain Semester The Rocky Mountain Semester (RMS) at the High Mountain Institute is an opportunity for high school juniors to examine the human relationship to the natural world through a combination of rigorous academics and extended wilderness expeditions. During the seventeen-week semester, up to 34 students spend six weeks backpacking and skiing throughout the wilderness of Colorado and Utah . The remainder of the semester is spent on campus near Leadville, Colorado, where students pursue a rigorous course of study and learn how to live successfully in a small community environment. While at the RMS, most students take six classes-the only required course is Practices and Principles: Ethics of the Natural World. It is in this class that students are taught the theoretical foundations for all that is done in the field, examine the human relationship to the natural world, and learn the skills necessary to travel safely and comfortably in remote settings. In addition to P P, students may also take literature of the natural world, natural science, US history or AP US history, Spanish or French, and mathematics. Interested parties can learn more about Rocky Mountain Semester at hminet.org. The Outdoor Academy of the Southern Appalachians The Outdoor Academy offers tenth-grade and select eleventh-grade students from across the country a semester away in the Southern Appalachians of North Carolina. Arising from seventy-five years of experiential education at Eagle's Nest Foundation, this school-away-from-school provides a college-preparatory curriculum along with special offerings in environmental education, outdoor leadership, the arts, and community service. Each semester, up to 35 students embrace the Southern Appalachians as a unique ecological, historical, and cultural American region. In this setting, students and teachers live as a close-knit community, where lessons of cooperation and responsibility abound. At The Outdoor Academy, everyone pitches in to make work rewarding, studies challenging, and friendships lasting. Courses in English, mathematics, science, history, foreign language, visual and performing arts, and music emphasize hands-on and cooperative learning. Classes often meet outside on the school's expansive wooded campus or in nearby national wilderness areas, where the natural world and intellectual pursuits come together. On weekends and extended trips, the outdoor leadership program teaches hiking, backpacking, caving, canoeing, and rock-climbing skills. The Outdoor Academy is open to students from both public and independent secondary schools and can be researched at enf.org. The Oxbow School The Oxbow School in Napa, California, is a one-semester visual arts program for high school juniors and seniors from public and independent schools nationwide. Oxbow offers students a unique educational experience focused on the in-depth study and practice of the visual arts. The interdisciplinary, project-based curriculum focuses on a central theme addressed in both academic and studio contexts. Each semester, 2 visiting artists are invited to live on campus and work on collaborative projects with students and faculty in a teaching environment. By engaging students in the creative process, Oxbow fosters a deep appreciation for creativity in all areas of life beyond the classroom. Since its founding five years ago, students who have spent a semester at The Oxbow School have matriculated to leading universities, colleges, and independent colleges of art and design around the country. Learn more at OxbowSchool.org. Woolman Semester The Woolman Semester is a community-based, interdisciplinary program for high school juniors and seniors. The mission of the school is to weave together peace, sustainability, and social action into an intensely rigorous academic experience. The school is located on a 230-acre campus complete with forests, fields, gardens, and livestock to use as a living laboratory, as well as for the wood chopping and lettuce harvesting of daily life! Classes generally meet in the morning, while labs, study groups, and farm work take place in the afternoon. Students and faculty also participate in a two-week service project and a one-week hiking trip in the Sierra foothills. Get all the information on the Woolman Semester program at Woolman.org. Don't Have a Clue What to Do This Summer - Peterson's What is My Peterson Enter Username Enter Password: Go Forgot Username/Password New User Register Now! Find out more about... Guide to college planning Don't Have a Clue What to Do This Summer There's no time like the present to start planning what you'll be doing to makeummer count...even if it's 15 degrees out! You already know that competition to get into college is pretty fierce. So instead of sleeping away the balmy summer months, why not secure a great job, sharpen your skills at a first-rate camp, help out with a community service project, or trek around the world Not only will you have a ball, but these experiences really help you shine on your college applications. So without further ado, here are some ideas to get you thinking about how to make the most of your summer vacation. Land a great summer job Securing a job this summer is an excellent way to show colleges, universities, and your parents that you are maturing into a responsible, successful adult. And what better way to earn a little respect and gain valuable real-world experience not to mention a paycheck! There are literally thousands of golden-egg jobs out there, and employers welcome high school students looking to earn a little summer cash. So where should you begin looking Well, the classified ads in your newspaper are a great place to start. Employers who seek seasonal employees generally start advertising job openings in the spring. Ask your parents, aunts, and uncles, too. They may work in a place that hires summer interns. Camp is not just for kids OK, we know what you're thinking: camp is for kids. But there are tons of camps for teens, too camps that aren't the traditional smack-mosquitoes-in-the-woods type. We're talking about camps where you can focus on your academics, the arts, sports, or other special interests. If you want to improve your jump shot, then why not sign up for basketball camp Or if you need a supportive place to let your creative juices flow, then a camp designed specifically for artists can help you take your work to the next level. There are even camps for online gamers, though we're not sure they'll do much for your college application! Volunteering your time pays off While working for nothing may not sound appealing, it's a great way to get your foot in the door to your dream career. For example, if you're interested in a career in medicine, you could volunteer a few hours a week at a hospital or nursing-care facility. Or if you think you might like to try journalism, check with your local newspaper to see what internship opportunities are available. You could also volunteer to do some community service with your local church or synagogue. The benefits Colleges and universities absolutely love students who put out the extra effort to help others in exchange for nothing, other than that warm and fuzzy feeling of doing something good (which, in and of itself, is a great reason to volunteer). Pack your bags and travel the world Thinking of studying a foreign language when you get to college Why not take advantage of all of the summer study-abroad opportunities available If you have experience in a second language under your belt, then you pretty much qualify for these types of programs, which can range anywhere from two weeks to two months of study in an exotic locale. And when we say study, we mean that yes, you will spend some time in a classroom, but you'll also have a ton of time to see all the sites. How does that sound for exciting

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Email This Page Print This Page Peterson's College Planner Did You Know Private high school students are more likely to participate in varsity or intramural sports. Search programs Home | Colleges | Grad Schools | Career Colleges | Online Learning | Private Schools | SAT/ACT Prep | Visual/Performing Arts Loan Advice for Grad Students - Peterson's Loan Advice for Grad Students Before you borrow, think of a real-life situation based on your earning potential after graduate school. Say, for example, you're going to borrow 18, 500 a year. The repayment figure doesn't sound like much. But multiplied by three years, you're looking at about $60, 000 of debt and $500 onthly payment. If you expect to earn around $50, 000 a year, you'll be making roughly $2, 400 a month. Subtract the $500 from that. With those figures in front of you, you ay want to reevaluate whatou will borrow. Don't borrow more than you need According to most financial aid counselors, the total amount of your debt payment should not exceed 8 to 15ercent of expected earnings after receiving your degree. Before you sign on any dotted line, take the time to look at:

• Your future income
• The time it will take you to repay the loan
• The interest rate you'll be charged
• The lifestyle you want after graduation

Also be sure to take into account the unexpected things that might occur which could affect your ability to keep up on loan payments. Check out other financial resources in addition to loans Graduate students often get into the loan groove and don't think about the grants and assistantships available to them. Take time to investigate what grants or scholarships you qualify for. This could mean the difference between paying full price and getting half (or more!) of your tuition paid for, with no obligation to pay it back. This is a great idea, especially if you've done well in your career and/or done well as an undergraduate. Call the graduate program of your school and ask about the scholarships and grants available to you. You can also search online Don't just consider the least expensive graduate program A fundamental mistake that graduate students make all too often when looking at the cost of graduate school is to pick the cheapest program. Try not to make cost the primary decision-making factor when choosing a graduate program. In reality, the higher-priced out-of-state graduate programs at private institutions could offer you more grants and aid because they have more available. Start early, start early, tart early You heard this advice when you applied to college and the same is true for graduate school. It cannot be overstated. If you wait until the last minute, as many busy people do, all that first-come, first-serve financial aid will be gone. Even though you might be planning to enter graduate school in September, you should fill out the FAFSA and submit it as soon after January 1 as you can. Calling the graduate programs you're interested in early to see what's available is always to your advantage. Researching financial aid in August when you want to enter graduate school in September won't leave you with many options. You will have missed out on some good opportunities for scholarships, grants, and assistantships. It can take months to fill out all the applications and information you'll need to get financial aid. Remember the old saying, "the early bird catches the worm." Realistically, you will likely need to borrow to cover some of the costs of your graduate education. However, by being a smart borrower you can ensure that your borrowing the right amount, and that you're prepared to enter repayment with a solid financial plan.

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A shift in care This will be accomplished as the industry turns away from the hospital as the center of operation. Nurses will work in a broad array of locations, such as clinics, outpatient facilities, community centers, schools, and even places of business. Hospitals are now places only for the very sick, and the name itself may be changed to acute-care center. Much of the emphasis in healthcares shifting toward preventive care and the promotion of health. Nurses are taking on a broader and more diverse role in this system.

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The Nurse Ph.D.: A Vital Profession Needs Leaders - Peterson's By pursuing an advanced degree, you can help shape this important trend. What's Next

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Paying for Your MBA: Financial Resources - Peterson's Paying for Your MBA: Financial Resources There more to financial aid than the federal government, although it does offer some of the best loans and terms around. However, even the Fed can necessarily get you everything you need to get that MBA you e after, so do a thorough job of checking out what is available to you. You might be surprised by what you find. Federal and state financial aid You e probably already aware that the U.S. Department of Education provides financial assistance to students who attend eligible institutions. To determine your eligibility for any of these programs, you need to complete the financial aid process established by the schools to which you're applying, as well as that of the federal government. Fill out the FAFSA! Federal government aid programs include Subsidized Stafford Loans, Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Perkins Loans, Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, and Work-Study Programs. Most state governments also offer grants, loans, and scholarships to their residents. Eachchool has a different FAFSA submission deadline, so keep this in mind when you're applying for aid. Institutional resources Some schools offer their own loan programs to help you with educational expenses. Your financial aid administrator can tell you what you'll need to do to apply for a loan from the school. You may also be eligible for a variety of school-sponsored scholarships and grants that ay be awarded based on either need or merit. Additionally, many graduate students use teaching assistantships to help pay ll or part ofhe cost of their education a gig that typically requires a commitment of about 20 hours per week. You should also check with your school to see if they offer any other on-campus employment opportunities that are not based on need or merit. Explore internship opportunities that are available at the school a paid internship enables you to receive financial support while gaining work experience and, in some cases, academic credit. Private and alternative financing monebaggasse