Challenge Young Minds and Watch the Output Soar Into the Future

The other day, I was discussing the future of our society with a brilliant young, and up and coming future philosopher, John Altmann. Specifically we got onto the topic of economic theory and the need for more economic and economic philosophy instruction in our education system. If you know anything about the damage socialism can cause, or how uneducated electorates can vote in such a way to bring down an entire nation, then you already understand without me having to point out nations such as Argentina, Greece, or Zimbabwe for instance. Okay so let's talk.

John had begun our dialogue with a superb essay on a future where American society leading by example, therefore the whole of human civilizations globally began a new era of world-wide prosperity. Still, to make this dream a reality, we are going to need to teach economics in our schools so that the students understand where we are headed and why. In fact, I had come up with a nifty little quote of my own:

"Up and Coming Philosophers must be challenged and hone their skills to better see, until they can challenge themselves to the same or greater degree" - Lance 2012.

Then, I lamented to John that maybe we can get some original thoughts which go beyond all these famous names we are forced to memorize in school - something new, something bold, something which can be challenged, but never denied. What might that be - and how do we get from where we are today, to where we need to go, you see?

Indeed, we need to think "beyond the bun" as Taco Bell says, it's time to ditch the special sauce and leave the old behind, come up with a totally new way of thinking, really advance the dialogue and human discourse, because what we have now in the world, it isn't good enough.

Much of the past philosophy is stale, uneventful, common thinking, thoughts people have while jogging on a ridge line overlooking a scenic valley, but we are forced to rote memorize names of dead people, who had common thoughts, and yet were assigned those thoughts as if they owned them, why? I ask. We can do better than this, YOU, can do better than those past philosophers, I told John.

You know, we really must get out there, and challenge things - and yet, harness the beauty of simplicity of your new original thought which you will soon be thinking of. It's time to take this to the next level. So, let's continue, and I am open to considering this request, we need to push the limits and boundaries, boldly. Victory goes to the bold. I hereby challenge the future students and say;

Let's break the sound barrier, then light, a fire under the human civilizations - someone has to wake them up! Please consider all this and think on it.

Lance Winslow has launched a new provocative series of eBooks on Future Concepts. Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank; http://www.worldthinktank.net

Top Universities for Engineering in Canada

Canada has become a hot destination for students who want to enter in the engineering domain. Following is the list of the top 5 universities for engineering in Canada.

1. University of Toronto

The University of Toronto or U of T or UToronto, is a public university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is ranked 1st in Canada and 27th worldwide in the Academic Ranking of World Universities; 2nd in Canada and 23rd globally in the QS World University Rankings. It was established in the year 1827 and has an endowment of C$ 1.54 billion.

The Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering (nickname Skule) was founded in the year 1873. There are 4850 undergraduate students and 1600 graduate students enrolled in the faculty. Brian Kernighan of K&R is a notable alumni of the Skule. These are the following departments of Skule:

   1. Chemical Engg. and Applied Chemistry
   2. Civil and Mineral Engg.
   3. Electrical and Computer Engg.
   4. Mechanical and Industrial Engg.
   5. Materials Science and Engg.

2. University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia or UBC is a public university located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It was established in the year 1906 and has an endowment of C$ 1.09 billion. It is ranked 2nd in Canada and 37th worldwide in the Academic Ranking of World Universities; 3rd in Canada and 51st globally in the QS World University Rankings.

The Faculty of Applied Science has the following departments:

   1. Biomedical Engg.
   2. Chemical and Biological Engg.
   3. Clean Energy
   4. Civil Engg.
   5. Electrical and Computer Engg.
   6. Engineering Physics
   7. Environmental Sciences
   8. Geological Engg.
   9. Materials Sciences
  10. Mechanical Engg.
  11. Mining Engg.

3. McGill University

McGill University is a public university located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It was established in the year 1821 and has an endowment of C$ 807.5 million. It is one of the oldest universities in the country. It is ranked 1st in Canada and 17th globally in the QS World University Rankings.

The Faculty of Engineering is one of the constituent faculties of McGill University. McGill was also the first university in Canada to provide programs in applied sciences. The faculty includes five departments and two schools:

   1. Chemical Engg.
   2. Civil and Applied Mechanics
   3. Electrical and Computer Engg.
   4. Mechanical Engg.
   5. Mining, Metals and Materials Engg.
   6. School of Architecture
   7. School of Urban Planning

4. University of Waterloo

The University of Waterloo is a public university located in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. It was established in the year 1957 and has an endowment of $ 247.3 million.

The Faculty of Engineering has 6340 undergraduate students and 1840 graduate students and 265 professors. The faculty involves 13 departments:

   1. Chemical Engg.
   2. Civil Engg.
   3. Computer Engg.
   4. Electrical Engineering
   5. Environmental Engineering
   6. Geological Engineering
   7. Managament Engineering
   8. Mechanical Engineering
   9. Mechatronics
  10. Nanotechnology
  11. Software Engineering
  12. System Design
  13. Architecture

5. University of Alberta

The University of Alberta is a public university located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It was established in the year 1908 and has an endowment of $ 783.3 million.

The Faculty of Engineering is one of the largest engineering schools in Canada. Engineering classes has been taught at the university from the year of inception. The faculty has the following departments:

   1. Chemical and Materials Sciences
   2. Civil and Environmental Department
   3. Electrical and Computer Engineering
   4. Mechanical Department
   5. Biomedical Department

To find related information about top engg schools of Canada, refer http://www.topuniversitiesforengineering.com/2012/01/12/top-colleges-and-top-universities-for-engineering-in-canada/

For more information about top universities for engineering please visit http://www.topuniversitiesforengineering.com/

Tips For Preparation For Studying Overseas

Going Abroad

If you've made the decision to study abroad for a semester, you've got a lot of planning to do before you can leave. Preparing yourself for your trip will create a stress free and pleasant transition to your new study environment. Neglecting important information and steps to get ready can lead to an experience that is less than enjoyable, and this is an endeavor that you want to savor.

Getting Ready for Travel

You won't be able to go on your journey if you don't have a passport. A passport is a form of identification that proves to transportation staff, like those working in an airport, that you've been cleared to go to a foreign country. Applying for this a few months in advance will ensure that there is plenty of time for your information to be processed and for you to receive the appropriate travel identification.

Money comes in many different forms, so if you show up in Europe with a bunch of U.S. dollars, you'll be out of luck. You will need to convert your funds to the appropriate currency. Being aware of the exchange rate and average cost of items in your destination will help you figure out how much you will need to have available to you when you go abroad. Setting up a foreign bank account or making sure you can access your own bank account while overseas are avenues to consider when considering your financial stability in another country.

Packing for several months can be tricky, especially when you might only be bringing one large suitcase. Do some research on the weather patterns in the area you are visiting and see what it will be like while you are there. This will help you to narrow down the items you should bring, because you don't want to end up having winter clothing in the middle of summer. Versatile and durable items will be good staples for your wardrobe, especially since you may be wearing the same pieces of clothing many times.

Be aware of the customs in your destination location. America values individual freedom and expression very much so, even to the point that people can go to the grocery store in their pajamas. While this is a valuable right that you may not want to give up, fitting in where you are going may be even more valuable to you. Many other places around the world, especially study abroad destinations, have stricter dress codes. You want to avoid overly provocative or extremely casual items to be safe. Some research will reveal to you the best route to take when planning.

Unless you are fluent in another language, it can be very useful to have a translation dictionary. This is a great tool for you to use when you are out at a restaurant or trying to get information about the closest restroom. Even if you're pretty well-versed in the native language of your study abroad location, it can be useful to have this tool to help you expand your vocabulary.

Practicing the language prior to leaving will make you more prepared to handle the challenges of the communication barrier. There are plenty of great computer programs you can purchase that will train you to speak another language, or you could even hire a tutor.

The work you put in ahead of time will take pressure off of you during your trip.

Study abroad programs are supposed to be fun. Making lists, researching, and double-checking are all smart and necessary choices to make if you want to make your international studies abroad the best that they can be.

Peer-Editing Helps Students Learn From Their Classmates

English Composition is a class that most college students will have to take, whether they're getting their degree online or in a campus setting. Most students who take the class find that a common component of such a class is learning to peer-edit. Working with your classmates to improve your written work is a valuable lesson in working together with others, which will be useful throughout college and in your future career. Some tips can help you to peer-edit more effectively, so that you'll have better papers and the grades to match.

Most English Composition instructors encourage peer-editing as part of the revision process. Many college writing professors will allow time for this during class. If not, see if you can find a friend in class or even a group of classmates who are willing to check over each other's work. Since you are all likely completing the same assignment, feedback from your classmates can be particularly valuable.

When peer editing, the first thing to keep in mind is to keep your criticism constructive. This means seamlessly blending positive feedback with tips for improvement. Always think of something nice to say about someone's efforts before launching into everything he or she did wrong.

You and your peer editing partner may find it helpful to write more than one draft of any given paper. The first draft should deal with content, and as you edit each other's work, keep content, organization, and focus in mind. Grammar and spelling should not necessarily be of primary concern. In additional drafts, go back and look at conventions. You can correct punctuation and refine your sentence structure in a second draft. Finally, in a third draft, give your work a final polish. Focus on just the right word choices to convey your meaning.

Open communication is the best way to make the most of a peer-editing experience. The value of peer-editing is having the chance to talk about what you've done well and what needs work. Your professor's notes on the margins of your papers are valuable, but having the chance to talk a problem over with a peer is even more valuable.

What if you are taking an English Composition course online? Peer-editing can be a bit more of a challenge in an online format, but it is certainly possible. Email and online chat make it easy to send files and communicate with your classmates about their work. It doesn't matter if your peer-editing partner is in the next town over or halfway across the country. The two of you can still have a beneficial experience when it comes to reviewing each other's writing assignments.

A good tip for online students is to make use of the track changes feature of your word-processing program. Naturally, you won't be able to scribble comments on your peer's paper in-person. Track changes allow your peer to clearly see your suggested changes so that he or she can choose to make the proposed revision.

Learning to peer-edit effectively is not just a skill for college students, and it will be useful beyond an English college class. You'll peer edit throughout your life and career. College gives you an opportunity to refine your skills and become not just a better writer, but a better editor. Make sure to interact with your peers even during a college course online.

University of Southampton Is the Largest Higher Education Institution in UK

The University of Southampton, the largest higher education institution in south- eastern UK, has flagged off a three year, full- time maritime law programme called LLB Maritime. The university, which has over 17,000 undergraduate and 7,000 postgraduate students, has plenty of maritime law expertise, but till now it has benefited mainly postgraduate students.

One of the Professors in head of the School of Law, University of Southampton, said at a media briefing in the Capital, When local and international students expressed their desire to specialise in marine law while pursuing their undergraduate degree, we decided to offer a qualifying law degree to enable students to attend maritime law classes in the final year. An exposure to maritime law at the undergraduate level will enhance the employability of students.

In the first two years, the course will focus on the core LLB programme - contract, criminal and constitutional law and legal systems and reasoning in the first year, and law of torts, land law, equity and trusts, and European Union law in the second year. In the final year of the LLB Maritime programme, the students will be asked to settle for three options from a list consisting of admiralty law; carriage of goods by sea, commercial conflicts of law and international litigation, and commercial sales and public international law. They'll also be required to choose an additional subject from the standard LLB options.

Apart from taking these papers, students will be required to write a 10,000-word dissertation on a maritime law- related subject as part of their compulsory legal research and writing course. Entry to this course will be based on the student's academic references, a strong personal statement and a good academic record. The tuition fees for international applicants entering the university in the 2011- 12 academic year will add up to £ 10,820. As this is a qualifying law degree programme, it is suitable not only for those who would like a career in the legal profession, but also for those who wish to pursue careers in industry, shipping or commerce. Check the list of other courses, which is offered by University of Southampton, UK.

List of Courses at University of Southampton

    * Agriculture and related subjects
    * Applied and Pure Sciences
    * Architecture, Building and Planning
    * Business and Administrative Studies
    * Computer and Mathematical Science
    * Creative Arts and Design
    * Education and training
    * Engineering and Technology
    * English language (EFL)

University of Southampton is one of the leading Universities in UK. If you want more detailed information about this university, just visit Online Duniya.

Reconstruction and the Post Bellum South

Cunning connivance is the thought that comes to mind when uttering the phrase "conjure tales." The word "conjure" itself is rich with meaning; it conveys the idea of a deliberate falsehood when someone conjures up a tall tale. Yet within the context of "Conjure Tales," it likely takes on the meaning, "of or practicing folk magic; a conjure woman." The oft-repeated phrase spoken by Julius, to "cunjuh wuk" likely seems to reference the latter of the two definitions, but takes on a myriad of meanings -- possibly even a double entendre - as Julius refers to the work of conjurers such as Tenie or Primus, all the while conjuring up tall tales himself! These clever yet untrue tales, which are met with great delight by his employers, most often relay a message that is supposed to not only entertain, but serve as a warning (i.e., not to knock down the schoolhouse, or not to purchase the vineyard). It is usually learned quickly thereafter that there was another reason for these tales: Julius had other designs.

Though Julius's warnings are ignored with respect to purchasing the plantation, his later screeds frequently result in decisions that are favorable to the African-American community: though the schoolhouse was supposedly haunted, and its wood not used to build their new kitchen, Julius nevertheless quickly used it for their temperance meetings, remarking that if there were a spirit within it, "no doubt the preaching would do it good." What this emphasizes, as well, are the subtle yet powerful actions that were necessarily employed by African-Americans in the period of Reconstruction - and later the Jim Crow South. In order to transcend the intentional and repressive acts perpetrated by white Southerners who greatly resented their emancipation and suffrage, these recently freed men and women had to battle predatory credit practices, racist labor policies, and even murderous lynch mobs. Nothing short of cunning tactics and oftentimes a conjured up tale (or spell) were all that could be done.

From the outset of Reconstruction, formerly wealthy aristocrats, landholders and great planters of the South sought by means of artifice to deny the recently-freed slaves their right to vote, their say in a representative government, or the ability to own land. These impediments were levied in the form of the Black Codes; the rise of the Ku Klux Klan; and poll taxes or other sorts of extremely difficult reading tests meant to disenfranchise. Of course, these tests also had the unintended (or intended?) consequence of disenfranchising poor, undereducated white males as well. Not surprisingly, unique and clever means were devised by the freed African slaves to circumvent such repressive tactics. Their efforts notwithstanding, the Republican Congress also sought - often by overriding Johnson's vetoes - to moderate these pernicious acts engaged in by the Southern leaders.

Interestingly enough, these tales also highlight a pervasive ignorance that can be seen not only in Julius's superstitious stories, but in his speech as well. In reference to the often inane stories, John, who is white, stated frankly: "your people will never rise in the world until they throw off these childish superstitions and learn to live by the light of reason and common sense." This is closely akin to the words of Booker T. Washington, who in reference to the freed slaves' inability to lift themselves up from poverty and discrimination, said that "Blacks should, moreover, refine their speech, improve their dress, and adopt habits of thrift and personal cleanliness; they should, in short, adopt the standards of the white middle class."

While any of these changes might have helped incrementally during the period of Reconstruction and the subsequent era of Jim Crow, it was more the pervasive ignorance of the white Southerners that perpetuated these injustices. Today, we have a rich and unique cultural heritage to draw from when reading tales such as these. Nevertheless, changing habits and dress to better "assimilate" into white culture would not bring true equality; it would not come until white males in power had the moxie to "conjure up" some fitting legislation in response to the 1960s civil rights movement. Only then were African-Americans truly able to reap the benefits of Mr. Lincoln's efforts nearly a century earlier.

JAMES ALFRED MOLNAR
Wake Forest University
http://www.CharlestonBattlefields.com

Alcohol on Campus

Many students are excited to go to college and to be on their own for the first time away from mom and dad. Their college years are normally the years they decide to find themselves, but while they find themselves there are many things they should be aware of, like alcohol. Let's not pretend that college is an alcohol free zone and get down to the facts about alcohol and how it affects today's students.

Underage drinking at college is a large problem and many of these students don't know their limit and simply make poor choices while under the influence. The legal drinking age in the United States is 21; anyone under the age of 21 is considered a minor. It is illegal to give alcohol to a minor in the United States, and illegal for a minor to consume alcohol. While trying to ignore the fact that minors do indeed get drunk, we still need to look at the major safety issues that go along with drinking while in college or at any point in time for that matter.

Drinking and driving is the leading cause of death of minors; about 5,000 teenagers die from being involved in an accident from drunk driving. No matter how many drinks you have had, you should not get behind the wheel. If you do you become a hazard to not only yourself, but also to any passengers you have and other drivers on the road; not to mention it's illegal. Perhaps you find yourself in a situation where you did drive somewhere and then had a drink or two. You should find a way to get home that doesn't involve you driving, such as calling a friend or family member or getting a taxi. If you aren't in a place where taxis swing by regularly, ask the bar tender or someone to call you a cab or a car service and then someone can take you home. Most college campuses do offer pick up services or car pool services for that exact purpose. Check with the colleges University Police Department (UPD) to see if they offer this service or if someone else in the town does.

Another problem is binge drinking, meaning having four or more drinks in one sitting. Binge drinking can normally lead to alcohol abuse or dependency. People who do binge drink are normally people who have just turned 21, but really about two out of five college students are binge drinkers. Student's drink this way may wind up making huge mistakes that can have a huge impact on the rest of their lives. When someone does binge, they may become hurt or injured, hurt or injure another, drive under the influence, engage in unprotected sex or unplanned sex, miss class or work, fall behind on class work or other work, and may even get in trouble with the campus police or local police. Majority of rapes on campus result from an event or gathering that alcohol was involved, and some students have said they were too drunk to even know if they consented to sex.

Let's not pretend that drinking doesn't happen on college campuses, instead, we should learn the affects alcohol has on students. Being smart when it comes to drinking can help keep you safe, and who knows, may even keep you alive. Be sure you know your limit if you do go drink at a party, and call a cab, friend or family member instead of driving you home. Don't use the excuse that they will be angry with you because in the end, your safety is what matters and they would much rather know you are safe then you driving drunk and being in a serious, possibly fatal, accident.

Tips and Tricks for Tennis Scholarship Success

High school tennis players often hold the mistaken belief that only blue-chip athletes can qualify for college scholarships from colleges and universities. While raw talent is, of course, a factor in scholarship decisions, this is by no means the only qualification necessary to win a sports scholarship. There is college funding available at many levels of play, and students don't necessarily need Rafael Nadal's backhand to take advantage.

Tennis' rise in popularity in recent years has lead to a dramatic increase in competition for college-level tennis scholarships. The students who are most successful in their scholarship search are those who narrowly define their goals and abilities. Rather than concentrating on pursuing recruitment to a wide range of diverse programs, students should choose three or four programs which align most closely with their level of play.

There are many different competitive divisions within National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tennis, including NCAA Divisions I and II, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Each level has its own standards, which students should study carefully. Coaches most often award scholarships to students who fall within the top 10 percent of their bracket, so students are often more successful in pursuing scholarships in a bracket slightly lower than their top level of play.

One of the most common mistakes tennis players make is assuming that recruitment coaches will visit local tournaments and games to look for talent. In reality, most coaches develop prospect lists based on proactive contact with individual players. Prospective athletes should keep detailed records of their tournament history and game stats, and be prepared to send this information to recruitment coaches.

Contrary to what one might think, a student's life off the court plays a major role in scholarship potential. As a general rule, coaches must seek administrative approval before granting a sports scholarship to a prospective student. This means that grades, extracurricular activities and other factors play a role. Since colleges and universities have been faced with shrinking endowments in recent years, schools are more eagerly seeking players who can excel both academically and on the court.

While it's statistically unlikely that most tennis scholarship recipients will go on to professional-level play, there are still a wide variety of career options which are open to students who have played competitive college ball. As tennis continues to rise in popularity, the demand for qualified coaches and pros has grown proportionately, and coaching opportunities are plentiful in schools, country clubs and tennis academies around the US and abroad.

Author writes about a variety of topics. If you would like to learn more about sports scholarships, visit http://www.collegeanswer.com/.

Ways To Enjoy An Alcohol-Free College Experience

A Bachelor's degree program is the four-year, traditional college experience that has pervaded popular culture. Many high school students look forward to entering their Bachelor's degree program so that they can join a Greek organization, enjoy an active college social life, and often indulge in the use of alcohol. Of course, many students do not drink. These students often worry that they will not fit in at college or that they will miss out on crucial college experiences. Of course, this is completely untrue. There are many ways to have a great time in college without drinking.

Whether it is due to being underage or because of your personal beliefs, it is perfectly acceptable not to drink in college. Many other students share your beliefs and choose to abstain from alcohol use as they work towards their college degree. Unfortunately, some of your peers may think differently, however. College culture in the United States too often revolves around alcohol use. It can be difficult for students to stand up for their personal beliefs by saying no to alcohol during college.

One of the biggest steps you can take as a non-drinker is to pick a college that supports your beliefs. You may not have been aware that some colleges and universities throughout the United States are "dry," meaning that they do not permit the use of alcohol on campus. In some cases, this is due to the religious beliefs of the organization that founded the college. Many students who choose to earn their Bachelor's degree from a "dry" college do so because they share this value. You'll find plenty of like-minded friends and alternative forms of fun on a "dry" campus.

If your college allows the use of alcohol on campus, that doesn't mean that every student chooses to make alcohol the center of all fun and recreation. Many colleges have organizations or clubs for students who choose not to drink. Joining this club will allow you to meet others with your same values, as well as to attend club-hosted parties that don't include alcohol.

Most colleges have plenty of fun activities where students can get involved and socialize without drinking. Joining a sports team, student club or organization, or participating in college-sponsored trips and outings are all great ways to have a rewarding social experience that does not revolve around alcohol.

Just because you don't drink doesn't mean you can't participate in social events where alcohol is served. If you feel pressured to drink at a party, simply pour your soft drink into an unidentifiable cup. No one will know you're not drinking.

Standing up for what you believe in is important, but you should practice being graceful about it. You don't have to explain your reasons for choosing not to consume alcohol, but being prepared with a casual statement about why you are making this choice may help others to accept this and stop pressuring you to drink.

You'll likely find that many of your friends in college will drink, but you don't have to give in to peer pressure. Also, for half of your Bachelor's degree, you will be underage. A university degree should not revolve around alcohol and parties. There are ways of having fun in college without drinking if you keep an open mind and encourage others to do the same.

Dealing With Stress In College

In college, every student experiences stress. For some students, a little stress is a motivator that helps them prepare and perform. For other students, stress exceeds their level for tolerance and makes them lose their focus, wastes their time, saps their energy and sabotages their performance. Too much stress is never good for us.

In college, sources of stress can include:
1. People - Family members, boy/girlfriends, professors, employers, dorm mates and others can all cause stress when conflicts arise.

2. Deadlines, Workload and Difficult Assignments - It is easy to feel overwhelmed when there are too many difficult things to do and not enough time to do them. Consistently long hours can cause stress.

3. Money & Job Issues - Many students go through college using money they have borrowed and with the money they earn from part-time and summer jobs. When unexpected expenses pop up or when an income source is interrupted or stops, things can get complicated and stressful.

4. Loneliness / Isolation - Stress can occur when students get homesick and miss their families and old friends. Others fail to make friends at college and feel lonely or isolated.

5. The Environment - Dorm living can mean compromises, cramped quarters, shared bathrooms, bright lights, noise, little privacy and messy conditions. All of this can be stressful.

6. Trauma - When students have been in an accident or are assaulted, raped, harassed or in some way harmed, they will be stressed.

7. Health Issues - Students who are physically ill or psychologically injured, often are already or will soon become stressed and depressed. Signals from your body can include can include nervousness, headaches, eye strain, upset stomachs, tears and back pain.

Coping mechanisms include:

1. Physical Activity - Since stress usually manifests itself in the body, physical activity can help to relieve the problem. Forms of activity include: Exercise, Walking, Jogging, Sports of all kinds, Calisthenics, Dancing, Rope Skipping, Ping Pong, Yoga, Deep Breathing, A Massage, Singing, Stretching, Squeeze Toys, Twisting a Towel, Screaming and Laughing.

2. Food & Beverages - Avoid caffeine and sugar. Eat a healthy diet including fruit and vegetables. Recognize that carbohydrates can relieve stress but add weight. Consider Popcorn and Pretzels (Low-fat, Hi-Carb foods).

3. Establish Schedules and Routines - Go to sleep at the same time each night. Get 7 or 8 hours of sleep during the week. Get up at the same time each morning. Eat a healthy breakfast. Define you study times.

4. Preparation - Gather the tools and do the research before you get started. Understand what is needed. When you are prepared, there is little reason to be stressed. Break large projects into a series of small projects. Identify the critical parts and do them first. Get help with the things you do not understand. When you get tired of working on one segment, switch to another segment for a while.

5. Your Attitude - Consider meditation and use visualization for being in a peaceful place and being successful in what you are about to do. Create a few personal incentives and rewards for achieving a milestone and accomplishing the goal. Relaxing music can also help. Keep some flowers in your room. Play with a pet. View your favorite comedy movie. Spend time with an upbeat friend. All of these things can improve your attitude.

6. Think Prevention - Anticipate and prevent problems. Start and finish things early. Set priorities. Allocate enough time. Build in a cushion for the unexpected. Get help when it is needed. Fight procrastination. Take periodic breaks. Set Limits. Say "no" to the unimportant things. Avoid the last minute rush. Strive for a balance. Learn the principles of time management. Use a calendar, a To-Do List and a planner.

When you recognize and understand the causes of your stress, it is easier to develop a plan to prevent as many as possible and deal more effectively with those that remain. However, if you find that stress is severely interfering with your performance, visit the Health Services Office on your campus to get some additional advice.

Bob Roth, a former campus recruiter, is the author of four books: The College Student's Companion, College Success: Advice for Parents of High School and College Students, The College Student's Guide To Landing A Great Job -and- The 4 Realities Of Success During and After College. Known as The "College & Career Success" Coach, Bob writes articles for College Career Services Offices, Campus Newspapers, Parent Associations and Employment Web Sites. Bob has created The Job Identification Machine™, a system that colleges use to identify thousands of employment opportunities for students. He has been interviewed on numerous radio programs across the country and by many publications, including U.S. News & World Report and The Wall Street Journal. http://www.The4Realities.com. Bob's Blog- http://collegesuccess.blog.com

Tips for Attending a College Fair

Attending college fairs is one way that students can begin the process of narrowing down what schools to apply to for higher education. There are many institutions available with representatives on hand to explain the application process. This is a key step for high school students, especially those who have not yet made decisions on where they want to attend or what major they might pursue.

The Set-Up
Most college fairs are sponsored by a school or local career counseling agencies in an effort to help high school students find a career path through higher education. Many private schools and local government educational systems offer college fairs as a means to help their students excel in education and attend college. The event may be held during the school day or in the evening, depending on the location. It typically features representatives from at least dozens different colleges, universities and trade schools. The fair is usually set up in a large room, such as the cafeteria or gymnasium with separate tables for each school. At least one representative from each university - sometimes more - sits at the booth with a few empty chairs for students to sit and chat. Brochures and paraphernalia from the institution are available for visitors to take as they wish. Students walk around the room and visit each table to learn more about the schools and their programs. Most participants are from local universities that draw a large number of students from that high school or district, or would like to boost their recruiting class.

Purpose
The purpose of college fairs is two-fold. The schools want to find potential applicants that can enhance their student body. The students want to find a university that offers their major and is a good fit for earning a college degree. Students can find out more about various undergraduate scholarships for college, as well as grants and financial aid packages, by speaking to these representatives. When planned in advance, some universities will use this as an opportunity to interview potential bidders for academic scholarships and early admissions applicants.

Preparation
Students who want to make the most of the fair should do a little bit of homework beforehand. They should secure a list of attendees and determine whether any hold their interest. If the student does not know anything about the school, they might consider looking up location, school size, tuition costs and whether they offer the student's major interest or have a reputable sports program that fits the player's talents. Making a list of each university of interest is the first step. A list of questions will help to narrow down the choices for applications.

Visiting Tables
Each table will hope to have as many possible recruits visit with them as they can muster. The student should take time to visit only those tables that pique their interest. Most representatives will ask each child to fill out an interest card. This will put them on a mailing list. Kids who plan ahead will create and bring along stickers imprinted with their name, address, telephone, high school, expected graduation date, major of interest and sports or extracurricular interests. These stickers can be affixed to the interest cards, saving a lot of time and hand cramping from excessive writing.

Sessions
Some fairs will offer informational sessions or seminars about choosing the right college and familiarizing high school students with the admissions, acceptance, scholarships and financial aid processes. Those seeking more information will want to attend these free and objective events.

Author is the parent of college students who likes to research academic scholarships, like the ones found at http://www.collegeanswer.com/.