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Successful Study Habits For Students

4/11/2023

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https://michaelrapparocklinca.com/successful-study-habits-for-students/
It’s crucial to have good study habits to achieve success in school. However, it can take a lot of work to maintain these habits. Fortunately, plenty of apps can help you improve your academic performance. In this blog post, let’s discuss tips that will help you develop good study habits.
    1    Make A Study Schedule

One of the most critical factors you can consider when developing good study habits is creating a schedule. This will help you set goals and stick to them. Having a clear understanding of what you will do daily will help you make informed decisions.
    2    Don’t Study For Too Long

The most effective study habit is to study for short periods. This will help you to keep track of what’s happening in your study and maintain a focus.
    3    Take Lots Of Breaks

While it’s essential to keep focused on studying, it’s also vital to take breaks occasionally. This can help you relieve stress and get back to feeling like you’re getting enough work done.You can take a break from studying to relax, such as reading or taking a nap. You can also take a short break from time to time to get up and move around.
Although taking breaks from studying is important, avoid doing anything that can be too distracting. This will help keep you focused on studying and give your brain a chance to rest. Taking productive breaks can also help you get back to focusing on your studies.
    4    Make Goals

One of the most important factors you can consider when developing good study habits is setting goals. This will help you stick to it and reach your goals. For instance, if you want to complete a textbook chapter in one hour, set goals for yourself. Make sure that your goals are achievable and realistic. Reaching these goals can help keep you focused on studying and motivated.
    5    Reward Yourself

Reaching certain academic milestones can be rewarded. This can include taking a break from studying to buy a new book. Setting goals and rewards can keep you focused on studying, providing you with something to look forward to after reaching these achievements.
    6    Find Your Perfect Study Spot

You should choose a study area that is a comfortable and conducive environment. There are many different ways that people prefer to study, such as in silence or with music playing. If you’re planning on studying in an other area, make sure it’s conducive to doing so.
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Advice To Survive Your First Year In College, Michael Rappa Rocklin CA

3/6/2023

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https://michaelrapparocklinca.com/advice-to-survive-your-first-year-in-college/

Coming from high school to university can be frightening, especially for those new to higher education. You’ll deal with larger classes, more advanced courses, and independent living.While you may be living with your friends at Uni or attending classes with some of your high school peers, you are solely responsible for your performance.  There are no parent-teacher associations in college. The first year at university can be very challenging, especially if you’re new to higher education. In addition to finding your classes and settling in, you’ll also have to make new friends and familiarize yourself with the lectures. Here are three expert tips to help you successfully get through your first year.

1. Know Your Courses  After you have found a degree you’re interested in studying, the next step is applying to a university. This will allow you to keep your options open and find a place that fits you. You should always apply to multiple schools to ensure that you’ll be accepted at one of them. One of the first steps to ensure that you’re prepared for the course is to check out the faculty’s website. This will allow you to find a list of your modules and start preparing for the course.

2. Prepare Yourself For Lectures
Higher education lecturers are unlike those in high school, as they are bigger and have a wider projector screen. This makes it hard to focus entirely on the lecture. First, you should know where the lecture is taking place. Also, it would help if you arrived early to ensure that you had a good seat.  This will give you a good view of the lecture and the screen. Reading the course guide to find out what topics and chapters you’ll be working on that day would be best. Before class begins, ensure you have all your supplies ready, such as a bottle of water, stationery, and an energy snack.

3. S.M.A.R.T. Goals
One of the most effective methods people can use to achieve their goals is the smart-goal-setting framework. This mnemonic is “specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound.” A critical factor you should consider when setting goals is that it has specific targets you can reach. For instance, if you want to get 60% in a module, your goal should be straightforward. Having a good record of how well you’ve done will allow you to make informed decisions. Also, make sure that you are realistic about your plans. You will likely face challenges along the way, so avoid getting distracted. The best way to start your adult life is to start on the right foot. Although these tips won’t prevent you from facing challenges, they can help you make the most of them.

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Tips For Effectively Learning Online

3/1/2023

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by michaelrapparocklinca | Feb 17, 2023 | Education, Michael Rappa

Even though we were already used to learning through various online platforms, we never thought that they would become such a daunting task that we would have to keep focused on. The pandemic taught us a lot about how to capitalize on situations. 
Even though the pandemic has already ended, many students are still considering whether or not they should pursue a degree through online platforms. Various ways can help boost their study output. Here are some of the most effective strategies and tips that can help boost your online study efficiency.
  1. Group Studying
Studying with a friend is an effective way to boost your study output. Having a buddy can help you keep track of what’s happening in your life and keep you focused on what’s important. Aside from playing, friends can also be a great support when it comes to studying online. 
You only need to find a group of like-minded individuals to learn together. This will help you clear out any confusion that you have. Friends can also be a great support when it comes to studying online. You can set small goals that will help motivate each other.
  1. Make A Schedule Of Your Activities
Scheduling all of your activities can help you improve your online learning capabilities. It’s important because we tend to get more comfortable when we’re learning from our comfort zone. Having a good checklist and schedule can help you complete your work on time and stay on time. It can also help you divide your time into productive and unproductive periods. You can also set goals for yourself and ensure you reach them regularly to improve your grades.
  1. Take Lots Of Notes
One of the biggest mistakes students make when studying online is not taking the proper notes. This habit can lead them to forget what was taught in class and eventually have difficulty understanding the material.
Notes can help you understand the material and improve your learning ability later. 
Having a proper record of your lessons lets you track how much you have covered and the amount of syllabus that needs to be explained. Taking notes can also help you improve your online learning. It can help you keep track of all the details you have covered and the amount of syllabus that needs to be explained.

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https://michaelrapparocklinca.net/getting-the-most-out-of-your-college-experience/

3/1/2023

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Getting The Most Out Of Your College Experience
by michaelrapparocklinca | Dec 27, 2022 | Education, Michael Rappa


It is common for families and students to struggle with deciding where to go to college. Given the high stakes involved, it is understandable that people have many questions about where to go. Contrary to popular belief, it’s best if you do not focus on where you will go to college. Instead, it would be best if you were more concerned with how you will be able to succeed in college. 
This includes choosing the right majors, choosing your classes, planning activities, and making friends. The decisions you make will have a considerable impact on how you will feel and how you will be able to graduate. You must have the necessary resources and research to make informed decisions.
  1. Join A Community
The type of residence hall that you live in can have a significant impact on how you will be able to succeed in college. For instance, those living in a residence hall centered around an idea such as sustainability are more likely to interact with professors and other students from different backgrounds.
  1. Lead An Organization
You can significantly benefit from leading a club or sports team in college. It will help you develop your network, confidence, and skills, and it will also help you work toward your career and life goals. A study revealed that student leaders earn more than their non-leaders after college.
  1. Take Frequent Trips To The Library
In addition to being a place to study, libraries can also help you with various other tasks, such as writing more effectively and recording and editing videos. Students who use libraries are 1.44% more likely to graduate and perform better academically.
  1. Take Advantage Of Having An Advisor 
It can be very challenging to feel like you belong in college. However, having an advisor can help you navigate through the various aspects of college. Regular meetings with an advisor can provide you with the necessary encouragement and guidance.
  1. Get Involved In A Service Learning Project
Projects focused on solving a community problem can give you a chance to make a positive impact. For instance, you can help a healthcare non-profit develop a social media strategy through a service learning project. These projects can also increase your starting salary by more than $6,000.
  1. Get An Internship
One of the most critical factors you can consider when choosing a college is the ability to apply lessons learned in the classroom to the real world. Having an internship can help you think about the value of your education and how it can help you get a job after graduating.
  1. Work On Research With A Professor 
Working on a research project with a professor can allow you to improve your skills and develop new relationships. It can also help you get hired faster. Research projects allow students to graduate more quickly. Although choosing a college is essential, the decisions about how you plan on attending college are also important. These are the building blocks for a successful college experience.
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https://michaelrapparocklinca.com/why-companies-need-a-cfo/

3/1/2023

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https://michaelrapparocklinca.com/advice-to-survive-your-first-year-in-college/

3/1/2023

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https://michaelrapparocklinca.com/preparing-for-college-costs-as-a-high-school-student/

11/3/2022

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https://michaelrapparocklinca.com/credit-card-options-for-college-students/

11/3/2022

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Usually, students in college have little experience with credit cards. They don’t have much of a credit history, but they can use student credit cards to build positive credit history while they are in school. Finding credit cards that report to the credit reporting bureaus and making on-time payments can set you up for when you graduate. Here are a few of the best options out there.
  1. Deserve EDU Student Credit Card
This card comes with a year of free access to Amazon Prime Student. It has no annual fee, and it earns 1% cashback. When you sign up for Amazon Prime Student, you can pay for the annual membership on your card, and they will reimburse you. This card is designed for students without FICO scores or extensive credit histories, and it has no annual fee.
  1. Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Students earn up to 3% cashback on some purchases with this card. This includes groceries, dining, entertainment, and streaming. There are no annual fees, and they will consider increasing your credit line in just six months if you use the card responsibly and pay on time.
  1. Jasper Mastercard
This is another entry-level card, and it is great for building credit. You don’t need a credit history, and it doesn’t require a security deposit. It offers cashback of up to 6% by referring friends once you have made three on-time payments in a row. They also have credit limits as high as $5000.
  1. Credit One Bank Unsecured Visa with Cash Back Rewards Card
This is a card designed for rebuilding credit, and it offers up to 1% cashback on eligible purchases. It will help students build credit while they are working on their degrees. They may have an annual fee, and they offer a low credit limit to start, but if you use your card responsibly, you will automatically be considered for credit line increases. This card also has complimentary travel accident and auto rental collision coverage, and it is great for repairing credit as well.
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  • Meet the Woman Who Paid off Nearly $70K of Student Loans in Two Years
  • Understanding the Depth of the Student Loan Crisis

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https://michaelrapparocklinca.com/understanding-the-depth-of-the-student-loan-crisis/

6/6/2022

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According to the DC think tank Bipartisan Policy Center, student loan debt has increased dramatically since 2007. In fact, more than 45 million people owe around $1.7 trillion in debt, and the likelihood of default is increasing. If this happens, the federal government is left on the hook. It is important to understand this crisis and how it impacts people, as well as how it can be repaired.

Greater Access to Student Loans
When more people have access to student loans, more people can get a college education. However, colleges and universities are aware of it and can raise their tuition. People aren’t likely to walk away from an overly expensive school because they can get the money to pay for it. The interest is the same for all students, no matter what their credit rating is, and these loans aren’t given based on an ability to repay.
State Support Has Declined
One of the reasons why student loan debt has increased is that state support for tuition and room and board has been declining for years. When there isn’t an option of grant money or other state assistance, students have little choice beyond borrowing the money. This has also led to an increase in student loan debt.
It’s Easy to Get a PLUS Loan
PLUS loans for undergraduate and graduate programs aren’t based on an ability to repay; they are based on the cost of tuition. These loans are available to parents who want to pay the tuition and other school costs. They have a higher interest rate than other federal loans, and they are too expensive for some to repay.
No Restrictions for Low-Quality Institutions
Unfortunately, poor-quality schools that are under performing have access to these loans. The problem is that if students are getting a subpar education, they will have a harder time getting a job. Then they will have a higher likelihood of defaulting on the loan. Institutional accountability could make a difference.

The bottom line is that the students and their parents need to assess the loan, its value, and their ability to repay.

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Helping You Plan For Your Post High School Education, 24/7

11/29/2014

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Since the mid-1990s the Internet has had a resounding impact on the way parents and students obtain knowledge about planning post high school education. It’s also been a valuable resource for college admission counselors and the colleges themselves.

It’s possible today, to visit colleges thousands of miles away without ever leaving the comfort of your own home. Do you want to know what the entrance requirements are for a given college, don’t despair, with a quick Google search, your can have the information right at your fingertips. Do you want to apply to a college? No worries. You can download the college application in a matter of seconds. What if you want to apply to more than one college? Presto, open up the Common Application and you’re able to apply to hundreds of schools with a simple click of the submit button.

If searching, visiting and applying to colleges online isn’t enough to keep you busy for hours and hours on the Internet, I am happy to tell you that there’s more. Without even breaking a sweat, you can find Podcast, Blogs, Social Media Sources, Financial Aid and Scholarship information all pertinent to the college admissions process. But wait, there’s more! You can even find SAT and ACT test preparation courses on line. Some are even free. And, after you’ve studied to do the best you can on those standardized college entrance exams, you’ll want to search for all that free money out there via a private scholarship search. Yes, there’s free money out there to help pay for you to go to college. So, stop reading this blog now, go open a web browser and start surfing the worldwide web.

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    Author

    Michael Rappa is a nationally recognized college-funding expert, and a Certified College Planning Specialist (CCPS) through the National Institute of Certified College Planners (NICCP). He is the president and founder of Ivy League Wealth Strategies, a fee based full service college and financial consulting firm covering all aspects of the college application and funding process. Since starting his local college funding practice, he has helped hundreds of parents send their children to college without spending their life’s savings or jeopardizing other important financial goals like a secure retirement. He is a firm believer that any parent, regardless of their background or financial circumstances, can send their child to college if they know how to play the financial aid game properly.

    He has earned the designation of Chartered Financial Consultant, ChFC® and Charter Life Underwriter, CLU®  Additionally, he earned his certification with
    distinction as an Independent Educational Consultant from UCLA. He is a member of the National College Advocacy Group

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