Online Best Colleges.com

There are dozens of online schools, and hundreds of degree programs offered within those schools, which causes us to question how these programs take off to literally become the “best” degree programs available.  Many factors go into developing this type of degree program, including accreditation, cost, and options offered.  New schools rarely garner this type of attention that is given to schools that have had years of opportunities to make a name for themselves. 

Developing online degree programs that appeal to the masses is difficult to do during a time in which people are not experimenting with different degrees.  However, our economy has shifted in such a way that many students are looking at alternative degrees that make better sense in this economic time.  No longer are students wishing to delve deeper into English degrees or Political Science degrees, but instead are looking at degrees which will guarantee them a career, such as Criminal Justice or Health Administration.  Schools which offer degree programs in these types of majors are more appealing to students, especially if they offer more specialized degrees within their fields.

A factor for many students is also the cost of enrollment.  With college costs skyrocketing, it is no surprise that online colleges have had to raise their prices as well.  However, a few schools that are accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council have managed to keep costs low for many of their degree programs.  Charging around $500-600 per course hour for undergraduate degrees and a little over $600 per hour for graduate degrees, these schools offer degrees at competitive rates, thereby attracting students to their programs.  The amount of grants and scholarships offered within these schools often makes a difference as well.  However, many new schools do not have the means to provide such scholarships at their onset, which helps to explain how the best online degree programs are usually in schools that have been in existence for a few years. 

The options within most schools are slowly expanding to offer students the opportunity to explore different undergraduate degrees as well as forms of Masters Degrees.  MBAs are becoming increasingly popular within the business world, as more and more executives are attaining degrees via online universities in order to get a pay raise.  Similarly, Ph.D.s are becoming popular as well within health industry degrees and other business related degrees.  Schools that offer the best degree programs for students in both undergraduate and graduate degrees are often those that are the top rated within their field.  Appealing to a wide array of the population is one way to improve in ranking and to continue on a solid course. 

College students have to take on lots of reading and memorization, and sometimes, it’s just too much to handle. So how do you manage to read everything you need to AND remember it all? Just try out these 52 tips and you’ll be in much better shape when test time rolls around.

Read Faster

Put these tips to work to boost your reading speed.

1. Don’t read aloud: Stay away from vocalization or subvocalization, which will dramatically reduce your reading speed.
2. Skip around: Don’t be afraid to skip paragraphs and words that aren’t important.
3. Give yourself less time: Push yourself to reduce the time you take to read blocks of information, and you’ll get better at it.
4. Use your hands: Move your hand down the page as you read, keeping a constant motion.
5. Stop fidgeting: Nervous habits can reduce your concentration.
6. Don’t pause for periods and commas: Read all the way through periods and commas.
7. Use a pointer: Run a pointer along lines as you read to force your eyes to follow the tip of your pointer.
8. Pay attention: Read as if it really matters-don’t read in a passive, inattentive way.
9. Build your vocabulary: The more words you know, the faster you’ll be able to read.
10. Read in chunks of words: Do your best not to spend much time on each word, rather reading in phrases of multiple words.
11. Continually ask questions: Stay focused by asking yourself questions frequently.
12. Don’t reread: Rereading text you’ve already been over will disrupt your brain’s flow.
13. Change reading speeds: Depending on the difficulty and content, speed up or slow down your reading.
14. Practice reading: In practice reading, you’ll read much faster than you actually do, just to see the text faster and train your brain.
15. Avoid reading unnecessary items: If you really don’t need to read that joke email, avoid it and save your reading time for what matters.
16. Hop around the text: Bounce your hand across the page multiple times per line to skim text.
17. Use an index card: Cover the page with an index card under the line you’re reading to improve your focus.
18. Hang a do not disturb sign: Keep distractions away by making it clear you shouldn’t be bothered.
19. Cut out distractions: Don’t watch TV or sit in a noisy room when you’re trying to read.
20. Skim: Before and after reading, skim the text to get an introduction to the topic as well as find key points.
21. Keep a notepad: Write down distracting questions or thoughts to deal with later so that you can keep going on the text at hand.
22. Take a break: If you find yourself losing focus, take a few minutes to stop reading and get back to it with your full attention.
23. Sweep the page: Use the sweep method to sweep your hand across each line as you read it.
24. Be motivated: Think about why it’s important for you to be reading what you are, and you will be more focused and alert.
25. Read throughout the day: Fit reading into tiny chunks of your day.

Remember More

Follow these tips, and it will be easy for you to remember more.

26. Pay attention: Commit yourself to learning the material at hand-you’ll give yourself a much better chance of remembering it if you actually learn it in the first place.
27. Eat less: Reducing your calorie intake can help boost your cognitive ability and memory.
28. Break things into small chunks: Study small, related chunks to optimize learning for your working memory.
29. Know and use your learning style: Tailor information to fit your learning style, whether it’s visual or auditory.
30. Visualize it: By visualizing concepts, you’ll be able to memorize them fast and recall them better.
31. Spread things out: Break learning up into separate sessions rather than marathons.
32. Be creative: If you want to remember your dreams better, become a more creative person.
33. Involve your senses: Use as many senses as possible to imprint information into your brain.
34. Build upon what you know: Whenever possible, combine new information with things you’re already familiar with.
35. Draw it: Draw items in a chart, diagram, or picture to cement them in your mind.
36. Learn to play a new musical instrument: Challenge your brain with a new mental skill to improve your memory.
37. Let go of easy information: Don’t force yourself to remember small things like appointments and tasks-use calendars, notepads and other tools to take a load off and focus on remembering what really matters.
38. Stay socially engaged: Social engagement can go a long way to keeping your brain and memory sharp.
39. Relate to the real world: Think about what you’re studying in a real life situation to make it more attainable.
40. Study before bed: Sleeping after learning can help you solidify memory.
41. Challenge your brain: Use puzzles and games to keep your brain active and improve its function.
42. Use something catchy: You can memorize faster with catchy puns and phrases.
43. Say it out loud: If you repeat something out loud from memory, you’ll be able to memorize it faster.
44. Don’t overdo it: Learn a lot in one small session instead of focusing on one thing for an extended period of time.
45. Repeat things: Repetition is the key to memory, so repeat things more.
46. Convince yourself you have a good memory: Don’t give up-commit yourself to improve your memory.
47. Always keep learning: Flex your brain’s muscles on a regular basis to keep your memory sharp.
48. Write it down: Writing things down won’t just leave you with a reminder for later, it will help you to reproduce the memory in your mind.
49. Stay motivated: Be motivated to improve your memory, and you’ll have a better chance.
50. Don’t cram: Stay away from cramming at the last minute, which can overwhelm your memory.
51. Exercise: Regular exercise can help you keep your brain sharp even as you age.
52. Learn a new language: Develop new mental skills that can spur the development of new nerve connections.

Unschooling is an alternative education system that supports natural, interest-led learning at home. Whether you want to learn more about unschooling for your own research or child rearing projects, network with other parents who unschool their kids, or adopt some of the alternative learning philosophies to augment your own formal education, check out these 50 eye-opening blogs.

General

To find out more about what unschooling really means, visit these blogs.

1. Life Without School: This community blog takes a look at unschooling culture while explaining the unschooling philosophy.
2. Just Enough, and Nothing More: Tammy Takahashi’s blog teaches the principles and effectiveness of "deschooling" on this blog.
3. Eclectic Parent: If you want a good example of how an unschooling lifestyle operates, check out Eclectic Parent.
4. The Expanding Life: Read this blog — which also features an unschooling carnival — for insights into the state of public education and how unschooling is a reliable alternative.
5. Joyfully Rejoicing: Check out this blog for questions and answers relating to the unschooling philosophy.
6. Christian Unschooling: Find out what unschooling from a Christian perspective means and how it might work for your family.
7. Do Life Right: Each post on this blog answers 20 questions about unschooling in different parts of the country.
8. I’m Unschooled. Yes, I Can Write: This unschooler is also a vegetarian and anarchist hippie, but you’ll find that the blog is full of helpful resources for understanding unschooling.
9. Challenging Assumptions with Wendy Priesnitz: Learn all about radical unschooling, natural parenting and green living from this blog.
10. Unschooler Mom: This unschooling mom discusses the challenges and experiences she and her young children face as untraditional learners.

Tips and Lessons

These blogs are great resources for finding practical information about unschooling, including lesson plans and guides.

11. An Unschooling Life: This blog is maintained by parents from New York who moved to Florida and adopted three children. Get unschooling videos and tips here.
12. Caffeinated Jive: Read this blog to follow one family’s transition to unschooling.
13. Sandra Dodd: Sandra Dodd posts lots of helpful resources and ideas while unschooling her kids in New Mexico.
14. Learning Life Through Unschooling: On this blog, you’ll discover ways to teach your kids about life by exploring the environment, going to museums, doing arts and crafts, and setting a good example.
15. Life Nurturing Education: Besides commenting on the unschooling philosophy, this Christian-centric blog also shares lesson ideas for math, civics, history and more.
16. Ramblings of an Unschooling Family: Find out what unschoolers really do at home all day.
17. Think!: Teach your kids to think outside of the box by incorporating these projects into their unschooling experience.
18. Memoirs of an Unschooling Teacher: This unschooling mom taught in a conventional school for just one year before making the switch.
19. Thinking Sticks: Playing With Ideas: Learn ways to teach religion, history, philosophy science, music, art and more from an unschooling perspective.
20. Plaza Creativa: This mom shares her experiences as a relatively new unschooler.
21. Mom is Teaching: Get practical, valuable tips for keeping your kids focused and entertained as they learn at home.

Homeschooling

There are many types of homeschooling environments, and these bloggers share their less structured homeschooling experiences.

22. Throwing Marshmallows: This liberal homeschooling mom writes about all the activities she and her two boys do for the sake of hands-on learning.
23. Grueling Homeschooling: By reading this blog, you’ll find that "sanity is overrated" as a mother homeschools all 12 of her children.
24. Yarns of the Heart: Learn about homeschooling and interest-led learning from a mom who has raised and educated three kids.
25. Atypical homeschool: Ron and Andrea Rennick aren’t your typical homeschoolers, and they’re on a mission to change the stereotype.
26. Mrs. Hannigan’s Home for Girls: This homeschooling mom teaches her girls at home and blogs about the joys and challenges of her unique education philosophy.
27. Tales of the Green-Eyed Girl: Twelve-year-old Olivia from Maine writes about her exciting life as an unschooler.
28. Why Homeschool: Here you’ll learn about the benefits and structure of homeschooling.
29. The Homeschooling Blog: The Homeschooling Blog includes lesson plans, homeschooling news and trends, tips for socializing your kids, and a lot more.
30. Time4Learning: On this blog, you’ll find homeschool lesson plans for Pre-K through 8th grade.
31. SHEAF’s Homeschool Blog: This Catholic family uses interest-led, experiential learning systems to teach their kids.

Collaborative and Natural Learning

These community-focused and learning-by-living blogs share great tips and stories.

32. Apple Star: This blog features lengthy, informative posts about collaborative learning, learning disorders, literacy, and more.
33. Radical Unschoolers Network: This community and blog features threads, posts and more resources about radical unschooling.
34. Organic Learning: This family of five shares their learning experiences with the world through the blog Organic Learning.
35. Once Upon a Photobooth: This blogger is a member of the Radical Unschoolers Network and writes about activist projects, teaching her two sons at home, and more.
36. Learning All the Time (Daily Experiences): Other unschooling parents will appreciate the posts on this blog, which comment on all the little ideas and activities that make the natural parenting and learning philosophy great.
37. Learning through Living: Stephanie and her husband are raising their four kids by adhering to a natural learning lifestyle.
38. Spiral Pathways: "earthmama" is a yogi who writes about homeschooling and living a green life.
39. Learning in Freedom: If you want to learn how kids learn naturally, check out Ren Allen’s blog.
40. Laura Nicole Garbers: Laura Nicole Garbers is a writer and career coach whose blog often focuses on unschooling practices and theory.

Untraditional Families

Some unschooling families take their choice not to conform to the next level by living on the road, in the mountains, and according to their own rules.

41. Snavley Freebirds: This family of five travels and learns together without conforming to society’s small "boxes."
42. An Untraditional Home: Dad is a web geek, mom is an artist, and with their kids, they play, learn and worship at home.
43. Loving, Living Learning: This unschooling family lives a life full of love, laughter and learning in an untraditional way.
44. Three Plus Two: This blogger has three kids whom she likes to feature in blog posts about creative learning and living.
45. Perpetual Joy: Discover ways to teach your young children by following this blog about young Kathrynn’s education.
46. The Sparkling Martins: The Martins are a large family who are passionate about radical unschooling.
47. Wistful Wanderlust: Read about unschooling in Cornfield Country from a young mom who also doubles as a guest speaker.
48. Moo said the mama: Moo said the mama is a blog about "an unschooling, urban homesteading, organic gardening, homebirthing, attachment parenting, eclectic, crafting & sewing, frugal living family."
49. Wendt Family Journey: This Christian family, including two boys, lives on the road and learns as they go.
50. On Bradstreet: This Pagan treehugger and mother of two teaches her kids according to a green, sustainable learning and living style.

College is full of invaluable opportunities for self exploration, professional development, networking, intellectual stimulation and social experimentation, but is it really necessary? These 10 CEOs found wealth, fame and success with very minimal college education, if any. Here you can read about CEOs and billionaires who have influenced media, the arts, education, the oil business, technology and more without a formal education.

1. David Oreck: Oreck Corporation CEO David Oreck founded his vacuum cleaner and air purifier company in 1963. Today, products like the Oreck XL Upright Vacuums, Canister Vacuum Cleaners and Cordless Zip Vac are top sellers, and David Oreck is in a position to donate money to museums and schools in Colorado and Louisiana. But despite his modern day success, Oreck never went to college and built up his company by working his way up the old-fashioned way. Born near Duluth, MN, in 1923, Oreck was fascinated with engines, electronics and engineering. He joined the Air Force during WWII, and when he returned, he worked for RCA as a wholesale distributor. Oreck stayed with the company for 17 years before coming up with the idea to start his own company.
2. Richard Branson: English businessman Richard Branson was estimated to have a net worth of $4.4 billion in 2008 by Forbes.com, and he is best known for his Virgin business empire. Virgin Records was started in 1970, but since then, Branson has expanded to include airlines, global warming projects, media, comics, and more. Branson grew up in South London and struggled with dyslexia in school until he was 17. He never attended college, but he does have an honorary Doctor of Technology from Loughborough University.
3. Andrew Carnegie: Andrew Carnegie is still known as one of the most famously successful benefactors, businessmen, and industrialists in American history. Carnegie, who was born in 1835, founded the Carnegie Steel Company and ultimately dominated the U.S. steel market with Federal Steel and U.S. Steel. Carnegie accumulated a massive fortune, most of which he donated or used to form endowments, museums and universities like Carnegie Mellon University, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, and the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Despite his immortalized fame and success, Carnegie started from humble beginnings in Dunfermline, Scotland. The family moved to Pennsylvania in 1848, where Carnegie immediately had to begin working to help his family survive and pay off debts. A local colonel helped educate young working boys in the area by allowing them to visit his huge library, which Carnegie valued.
4. John D. Rockefeller: Another American icon and business legend was John D. Rockefeller, who was born in 1839 and who is credited with implementing the modern standards for corporate business strategy, philanthropy and the oil industry. Rockefeller was born in Richford, NY, but moved with his family to Cleveland as a teenager. Rockefeller began working at 16 as an assistant bookkeeper, during which time he supposedly pledged to donate 10% of his money to charity when he retired. During the mid to late 1800s, Rockefeller entered into and then began to dominate the oil business through his company Standard Oil. Though his success was controversial, Rockefeller became one of the richest men in the country and was also known for donating money to his church and to other projects, including the University of Chicago, Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health, and the Rockefeller Foundation.
5. Henry Ford: Henry Ford isn’t just known as the founder of the Ford Motor Co.; he’s also credited with establishing modern day assembly line operations and mass production systems. Born in 1863 near Detroit, MI, the innovative Ford grew up on a farm but ultimately left the country after his mother died. At just 16, Ford moved to Detroit and began working as an apprentice machinist. After returning to his home and gaining experience working with steam engines, Ford ran his own farm and sawmill. Nearly 10 years later, Ford turned to engineering and began experimenting with his own vehicles and gas engines. He founded the Ford Motor Company in 1903.
6. Steve Jobs: Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple, Inc. and former CEO of Pixar Animation Studios is worshipped by techies and everyday computer users alike. Even though he is regarded as one of the most innovative minds in the country, Jobs barely attended college. He dropped out of Reed College after just one semester, though he continued to audit calligraphy classes.
7. Walt Disney: Walt Disney founder Walter Elias Disney created one of the most beloved, iconic and successful entertainment enterprises in the world and donated a significant percentage of his fortune to charities. Disney, who personally created Mickey Mouse, attended McKinley High School and the Chicago Art Institute as a teenager in Chicago. He dropped out of school, however, to join the Red Cross for which he drove an ambulance in France during WWI. After the war, Disney designed ads for movie houses, newspapers and magazines, and in 1920, he formed his first company, the Iwerks-Disney Commercial Artists company.
8. John Paul DeJoria: John Paul DeJoria has an incredibly inspiring story that has led him to become a billionaire entrepreneur and the co-founder of John Paul Mitchell Systems hair care products. DeJoria was born in 1944 in Los Angeles and was raised in a foster home. He was in a gang in high school but joined the Navy for two years after graduating. After the Navy, DeJoria worked at odd jobs, including at Redken Laboratories, until founding the John Paul Mitchell Systems with Paul Mitchell in 1980. In 2008, Forbes.com estimated DeJoria’s net worth at $3.5 billion.
9. Barry Diller: Barry Diller, Chairman and CEO of IAC/InterActivCorp and co-founder of Fox Broadcasting Company and USA Broadcasting is one of the most influential figures in media and business and is married to fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, an extremely powerful figure in the fashion industry. Diller was born in San Francisco in 1942, and though he technically started UCLA, he dropped out after only one semester. He began his career in the mailroom at the William Morris Agency, and a few years later began working for ABC. In the 1970s and 1980s, Diller served as CEO of Paramount Pictures, and in 1984 became the CEO of Fox Broadcasting Company and 20th Century Fox.
10. Bill Gates: Bill Gates, founder of Microsoft, is one of the richest men in the entire world and a powerfully innovative entrepreneur. Gates founded Microsoft with Paul Allen in 1975, though the company didn’t reach its full potential until years later. Gates was born in Seattle in 1955, and although he was a gifted student and scored a 1590 out of 1600 on his SATs, he dropped out of Harvard soon after enrolling.

Choosing a college, completing the application process, writing essays and waiting around to hear if you’re accepted or not can be a truly stressful and time consuming process that usually requires a plan of action years in advance. Many students have numerous questions, things they’re unsure about and limited guidance to get them through the process successfully. Fortunately, the internet can be a great resource for prospective college students looking for help. Here are 100 cheat sheets and informational guides to make finding and getting into the college of your dreams a little less complicated.

General

These sites will take you through multiple aspects of college applications, often step-by-step.

1. The Daily Beast: College Admissions Cheat Sheet: Check out this site for articles on everything from getting into Ivy League schools to doing well on your SAT.
2. About.com College Admissions: Allan Grove, a college admissions officer, offers some great advice on the admissions process on this About.com site.
3. College Board: Apply to College: College Board provides expert advice on applying to college in sections about planning, finding, applying, and paying for college.
4. College Confidential: College Admissions: Find out the things you need to know most about applying for college on this site.
5. Accepted: College Admissions: This site provides expert information on writing applications, essays and more for undergraduate and graduate school.
6. College View: Application Process: Here you’ll find a 9-step list to guide you through the application process.
7. Go College: Submitting Your Application: From advice on test taking to finding the best school, this site takes an all around approach to advice on college admissions.

Choosing a College

Picking what colleges to apply to can be an important first step in the process. Here you’ll find a little help on everything from how to choose to how to gather information.

8. 8 Tips for Making the Most of a Campus Visit: Figure out what you should be looking for when you visit a college to ensure that you’ll feel at home if you get accepted.
9. When to Visit New: How to Schedule Your Campus Visits: Learn the best times to schedule campus visits to make sure you’ll get the most out of your trip.
10. College Decision-Making Guide: If you have gotten accepted, this guide can help you decide which school will be the best fit.
11. Top Ten Rules for Selecting a College or University: These tips will make it easier for you to decide what schools to apply to.
12. 10 Things You Should Consider When Choosing a College: Unsure of what factors might be essential when choosing a school? This list can help narrow it down.
13. Choosing a College That’s Right for You: Some colleges may look greaton paper but not be such a good match for you in reality. Check out this guide to find out how to choose a match that will make you happy.
14. Top Ten Reasons Not to Choose a College: Learn some reasons that aren’t good reasons to attend one school over another.
15. How to Decide Which College Is Right for You: Get some additional guidance in choosing a college from this how-to guide from eHow.
16. What to Look for in a College Visit: If you take the time to visit a college, make sure you’re getting all the info you need while you’re there by checking out these tips beforehand.
17. College: Deciding Where to Apply: Making the decision of where to apply can get a little easier with guidance from this site.
18. Meeting With College Admissions Staff: The admissions staff at the colleges you’re applying to can answer a lot of your questions. Here you’ll find out what you should be asking.
19. Questions for Your Visit: Don’t just wander aimlessly on your campus visit. This guide will give you some ideas of the questions you should be asking.
20. Selecting a College: A Checklist Approach: Go through this checklist to get assistance in choosing the perfect college.

Application Process

Check out these tips to help you find out what you should be doing to get those applications in on time and with all the important parts included.

21. To How Many Colleges Should I Apply?: Keep yourself from applying to too many or too few colleges by reading this article first.
22. Month-by-Month Senior Year College Application Timeline: This timeline can ensure that you stay on track throughout your entire application process.
23. Admissions Checklist: Make sure you’ve completed everything that you need to for your applications with this helpful checklist.
24. How to Apply to College Cheat Sheet: This cheat sheet is designed to make the whole application process a little easier for you or your parents.
25. The College Application Process: Learn about all the things that go into the application process here.
26. Working With Your Counselor During the Application Process: High school students can find helpful advice and guidance from school counselors and this guide offers some tips from getting the most out of this relationship.
27. Acing the College Application Process: Ensure you come out a winner in the application process by giving this article a read.
28. How to Apply to College: Get basic tips on the application process from this article at Suite101.
29. How to Get into College: About.com offers some great tips that can help increase your chances of getting into college here.
30. The Application: Simply titled, this article tells you what you need to know about the college application.

Essays

A great college essay can make or break your application. Get some tips on creating killer essays from these sites.

31. Choosing an Admissions Essay Topic: The first step to writing an essay is choosing a topic and this article can make that a little easier.
32. Dos and Don’ts of College Admissions Essays: Learn what you should and shouldn’t do when writing an essay with these helpful lists.
33. Selling Yourself to Colleges: Tips for Writing Winning Essays: Find out the best ways to market your skills and abilities to colleges with advice rom this site.
34. How to NOT Write a College Essay: There are some big mistakes in essay writing that may cost you your admission. Learn what to avoid in this article.
35. Writing the Successful College Application Essay: Make sure your essay makes you look great with a little help from Quint Careers.
36. College Application Essay Topics: Need a little help coming up with a good topic? This site gives some great suggestions.
37. College Essay Writing Tips: Follow these tips to construct a solid admissions essay.
38. How To Write A Personal Statement For College: If a personal statement is what is required for admittance, learn what you need to do to ensure it reflects your best abilities.
39. College Essay Skills: Beef up your essay writing skills with a little help from this informative article.
40. Your College Admissions Essay: Get Noticed!: Anyone can write a standard, boring admissions essay, but it takes a special essay to stand out. Learn how you can get a leg up with yours here.

Recommendations

Many colleges will require a few letters of recommendation for acceptance, and you can find advice on how to get them from these cheat sheets.

41. Recommendation Cheat Sheet: Follow this helpful cheat sheet to make getting letters of recommendation easier.
42. How to Approach Recommenders: Have someone in mind for a recommendation? Learn how to ask them for assistance in this guide.
43. Letters of Recommendation: The Basics: If you’ve never gotten a letter of recommendation before you can find out what it entails and how to handle it here.
44. Getting Letters of Recommendation: From finding the right person to ask, to asking in the right manner, this site can help you loads.
45. Letter of Recommendation Guide: Check out this guide to get a step-by-step method of getting the letters you need to apply.
46. How to Get Great Letters of Recommendation: You don’t want to just get bland letters but really great ones. This article is designed to help you make the most of your recommendations.
47. How to Ask Your Professor for a Letter of Recommendation via Email: If your teacher or professor is accessible by email, it might be an easy way to ask for help. This article will help ensure you do it the right way.
48. Letters of Recommendation: Whom to Ask and How: Take the mystery out of getting letters of recommendation with this guide from Cornell.
49. How to Choose References for a College Application: If you not only need letters of recommendation but also references you’ll find some great advice here on choosing the best ones.
50. How to Write a College Application Letter of Recommendation: Some recommenders might not have time to write you a letter and will allow you to write your own letter that they’ll approve. Learn what to include and how to write it from this guide.
51. Pre-College 101: Getting Your Reference Letter: This guide for college application newbies offers some great advice on getting letters of recommendation in a timely manner.

Testing

Ensure you ace your ACT or SAT by preparing ahead of time through these resources.

52. 20 Great Colleges for Students with Low SAT Scores: If you’ve already taken your test and you didn’t exactly ace it, learn what your options may be for colleges.
53. Put to the Test: Preparing for the SATs / ACTs: Get some valuable information on how to prepare for the ACT and SAT here.
54. What You Need to Know About Entrance Exams: This article will help you to learn what to expect when you show up for exams and how much they really matter.
55. The Facts on Taking the SATs & ACTs: This article promises to give you a rundown on the basics of taking these college exams.
56. Test Prep Review: This site is dedicated to helping students prepare to take these kinds of exams, so look over it while you’re studying.
57. Your Guide to the ACT: Check out this great guide to the ACT to learn what to expect and how to prepare.
58. Official SAT Guide: If the SAT is what your college requires, learn what you need to do to get ready from this site.
59. College Placement Sample Tests: Most colleges require students to take placement exams to see what general courses they’ll need to take. This site can provide some exams for practice.
60. College Entrance Exams: Preparing for the ACT & SAT: Here you’ll find some additional support and practical tips for getting ready to take your ACTs or SATs.

Interviews

Not all colleges require interviews, but if yours does you can find a little help here.

61. Interview Checklist: Before you head off to a college interview, go through this cheat sheet checklist.
62. College Interview Questions: Prep for your interview ahead of time by reviewing these common questions.
63. Acing Your College Interview: Learn what qualities will help you give a winning interview.
64. Preparing for a College Interview: Read this article to learn what you’ll need to do to be well-prepared for a college interview.
65. 10 College Interview Mistakes: Sometimes it’s more helpful to learn what not to do, so read up on common blunders here.
66. Should I Do an Optional College Interview?: If your college of choice gives you the option of interviewing and you’re not sure if you should, read this article to help weigh the pros and cons.
67. The College Interview: Learn the basics of what to expect at a college interview from this college-focused site.
68. College Interview FAQs: Here are some commonly asked questions that can help you know what a college interview will be like.
69. How To Prepare for a College Interview: Ensure you arrive at your interview prepped and ready-to-go by reading this article ahead of time.
70. The Personal Interview: Whether you’re applying for a job or for college, this article will give you some tips on giving a wonderful personal interview.

Finances

Even if you don’t know if you’re accepted to college you’ll need to start applying for funding like scholarships and grants. Learn how the process works and how you can make the most of the resources out there to reduce college costs.

71. Scholarship Tips: Check out these helpful tips to learn some better ways to go about looking for scholarships.
72. Paying for College in a Tough Economy: Times are tough now for almost everyone and many people don’t have the cash to pay for college outright. Learn what your other options are here.
73. Getting Ready to Pay for College: Prepare yourself to take on the financial burden of a college education with this informative article.
74. How to Dress for a College Scholarship Interview: Some scholarships may require that you interview in order to get the award. Make you you look your sharpest by following this guide.
75. College Financial Aid Planning Tips: Find out your financial aid options and what you need to do to pursue them from this site.
76. Eight Steps To Winning A Scholarship: This step-by-step guide can be a big help in getting you scholarship funds.
77. An Insider’s Guide to Student Loans: If scholarships don’t cover all your costs, you may need a loan. Check out this guide to learn more.
78. 35 Scholarships Anyone Can Get: Think there are no scholarships that cater to your abilities? Think again, as this list proves there’s a scholarship for everyone.
79. How to Pay for College: Those who are unsure how they are going to fund a college education can get some advice on this site.
80. 8 Offbeat Ways to Pay for College: This guide will give you a few more creative ideas on how to foot those college tuition bills rather than just loans and scholarships.

Getting Accepted

Whether you’re waiting to find out or trying to decide where to go, these cheat sheets are designed to help you keep your sanity intact.

81. How to Get Off a Wait List: If you’ve been wait listed for a place at a college there may be something you can do as this article discusses.
82. The Six Most Common Blunders of College Applicants: Learn what not to do when you’re trying to get into school.
83. Can I Appeal a College Admissions Rejection?: Is no really no? Learn what you can do if you’ve been rejected from a school.
84. How College Admission Works: If you’re unsure how the whole admissions process functions, this guide can break it down for you.
85. In or Out: Inside College Admissions: This article from Time magazine details the waiting game and what you can expect for admissions.
86. My College Admissions Checklist: Have you done everything necessary for the admissions process? This checklist can help you find out if you’re missing any big things that can hurt your chances.
87. Waiting for College Acceptance Letters: Learn how to deal with the waiting game with a little help from this article.
88. How to get Accepted to College: Here you’ll find some great tips that can improve your chances of getting accepted.
89. Dealing with Acceptance or Rejection: Whether you’re in or out, this article can help you deal with the results of the application process.
90. You’ve Been Accepted: How to Choose?: With multiple acceptances, how do you decide where to go? This guide is designed to help you narrow down what really matters to you.

College Preparation

Before or after acceptance, these tips can help ease you into the college lifestyle.

91. Preparing for College: An Online Tutorial: Learn how you can prepare for attending college from what to bring to what to expect from courses on this site.
92. Pack It Up: What to Bring to College: Start packing your bags for college as soon as you get your acceptance letters. This guide will tell you what to bring.
93. A College Guide to Overcoming Homesickness: If you’re close to your family or have never been away from home for an extended period of time,you may be nervous about being homesick. Read this guide beforehand to give you some tips to make the transition easier.
94. Are You Ready for College? Alternatives for the Unsure: Are you sure college is right for you? It’s a big commitment in time and money, so if you have your doubts read this article first.
95. Online Accredited Degrees: Those who are hoping to work while attending school and are considering an online education can find some helpful advice here.
96. Getting Ready for College Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to get ready to head off to school. These tips will give you a head start on college prep.
97. What to Do Before Leaving for College: Many students are the first in their family to attend college and have no idea what to do to prepare. This guide can help make the process a little easier.
98. 8 Things to Do the Summer Before College: Prepare yourself the summer before you begin school by checking out this list.
99. Simple Tips to Surviving Senioritis and Getting Your Diploma: Getting through that final year of high school can be rough after you’ve already gotten accepted to college. This site can help you fight that senioritis and finish your education.
100. College Dorm Room Checklist: What to Bring to College: If you don’t know what you’ll need when you go to college this list can break it down to the essentials.

It’s rarely easy to get started as an artist, but there are numerous resources available to help you get there. Whether you’re looking for career guides or a site that can host your portfolio, you’re in the right place. Read on to find 100 of the best tools for getting started with your art career.

Portfolios & Galleries

Put your portfolio up using these tools, and get some exposure for your art.

1. FinalCrit: Create an easy, beautiful Flash gallery of your images through FinalCrit.
2. FigDig: Show off your work in high resolution through FigDig.
3. Artween: This social networking site is entirely devoted to artists and art lovers.
4. ArtistPortfolios: Share your work in multiple galleries through this site.
5. ArtSlant: This contemporary art network will help you stay connected to local arts, as well as share your events.
6. E=MC²: E=MC² offers a place for you to network with other creative people, sell your art, and become famous.
7. artselector: artselector will allow you to set up your art profile page and join the directory of fine artists, galleries, and curators.
8. Voodoo Chili: This site offers a small portfolio where you can upload images, post your resume, get comments, and more.
9. MyFolio: Use MyFolio to upload your work, references, and more to share with the world.
10. Carbonmade: Host your own free online portfolio using the tools from Carbonmade.
11. #artmesh: Become a part of #artmesh, and you’ll be able to connect with other art lovers, art professionals, and more.
12. Humble Voice: Join Humble Voice to be a part of this community of artists and those who appreciate them.
13. MyArtSpace: MyArtSpace is an online social network for the art world.
14. Behance Network: Join this community for creative portfolios, collaborations, tips, jobs, and more.
15. ArtMajeur: Show off your work and sell it, too through this online portfolio.
16. Meseon: Participate in the art world and share your work on Meseon.
17. Viewbook: Viewbook offers a simple, drag-and-drop way to showcase your work online.
18. Shadowness: This online portfolio tool is great for digital artists who want to share their images.
19. Facebook: Share your art with an everyday audience on Facebook.
20. Taltopia: You can share your portfolio, network, and connect to get your art recognized.
21. Asoboo: Creatives can find a great network in Asoboo.
22. Independent Collectors: Get noticed by people who collect art in this network.
23. quarterlife: quarterlife offers a great place for you to socially network with other creatives.

Communities

Join these communities to network with other artists.

24. DeviantArt: In this online arts community, you can get recognition for your work.
25. GeekMeet: Connect with other creative artist geeks through Geek Meet.
26. Behance: Check out this design community to post your work, network, and find a job.

Job Boards

You can find internships, jobs, and other opportunities through these boards.

27. Arts Opportunities: This online classifieds bank serves the arts industry.
28. Coroflot: Share your portfolio and peruse job listings through Coroflot’s site.
29. Creative Pool: Discover hundreds of creative jobs in the UK from Creative Pool.
30. Art Job Online: You can find national listings for jobs, internships, and more on Art Job Online.
31. Creative Hotlist: Graphic designers, writers, photographers, and illustrators can find work here.
32. Arts Culture Media Jobs: This website features jobs for creative people.
33. Idealist: Check out Idealist to find jobs and internships with nonprofits in the arts and otherwise.
34. Guru: Offer your services as a freelance artist in this marketplace.
35. Tip Top Jobs: Find jobs in fashion, art, and design through Tip Top Jobs.
36. Rhizome: Check out Rhizome to find job and event listings in alternative media and fine digital art.
37. Variety Careers: Get connected with entertainment and media jobs on Variety Careers.
38. Dice.com: For those who combine technology and art, find a job on Dice.com.
39. EntertainmentCareers.net: Check out this site to find hundreds of entertainment jobs and internships.
40. Fashion Net: Find out of about jobs and positions in fashion from Fashion Net.

Career Guides

Learn more about the career you’re getting into with these career guides.

41. Visual Arts Career Guide: You can find links to guides for visual art-related careers here.
42. O*Net: O*Net offers career guides in the arts job family, even highlighting those that are currently in demand.
43. Performing Arts Overview: This career overview discusses requirements, job outlook, career tracks, and compensation for performing artists.
44. Interior Design Career Zone: In this profile, you’ll learn about creating your career as an interior designer.
45. Artist Career Guide: How to Make a Living as An Artist: This guide offers a wealth of useful information for working as an artist.
46. Artists and Related Workers: Check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics guide on artists and related workers to understand the market and career expectations for artists.
47. Graphic Designer Career Zone: Learn about the job duties, work environment, and more to understand what it’s like to work as a graphic designer.
48. Visual Arts Overview: In this career overview, you’ll learn what you can expect from a career in visual arts.
49. Careers in the Arts: SUNY Oswego discusses a variety of career possibilities that involve the arts.
50. A Career Guide for Studio Art Majors: The University of Texas offers this guide to making it as a studio artist.
51. Graphic Design and Printing Career Guide: Learn about different job descriptions in graphic design and printing from this resource.
52. Art-What can I do with this degree?: Skidmore College offers strategies for using your art degree.
53. A Career Guide for Art History Majors: You can learn more about art history as a career from this guide.
54. How to be a TV Writer NBC Universal shares a few steps to becoming a television writer.
55. Photographers: The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ guide for photographers explains job outlook, earnings, and more.
56. A Career Guide for Art History Majors: If you’re an Art History major, be sure to check out this career guide.
57. Career Alternatives for Art Historians: Learn about a variety of different career options available to art historians.
58. Graphic Designers: Learn about the training required, nature of the work, and outlook in general for graphic designers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Resume

Get help creating the perfect art resume from these tools.

59. Art Resume Templates: Download these templates to get started on your art resume.
60. Art Resumes: What should they look like?: This article explains what you need to include in your art resume.
61. Writing an art resume: Learn about important details and considerations for your art resume.
62. Portfolios for Employment: Create your portfolio with employment in mind here.
63. Artist Resume: Recommending Conventions: This advice highlights general guidelines you should follow when writing an art resume.

Cover Letter & Artist Statement

If you’re stumped writing your artist statement or cover letter, you can find some help here.

64. How to write an Artist Statement: Follow these steps to craft your artist statement.
65. Sample Cover Letter-Arts: This cover letter sample is perfect for artists.
66. Write a Cover Letter: Find characteristics of weak cover letters, and learn what you can do to improve yours here.
67. How to Write an Artist Statement: Follow these steps to create your own artist’s statement.
68. Art Cover Letter: Here you’ll learn about crafting a cover letter for your art career.
69. Your Artist Statement-Explaining the Unexplainable: This article covers the important task of writing an artist statement.

Finance & Calculators

There’s no question about it-launching an art career requires smart financial thinking. Get some help from these tools.

70. Mini Financial Plan for Artists: In this financial plan, you’ll find a questionnaire, calculators, and great advice for managing your finances as an artist.
71. 7 FREE Ways to Promote and Sell Your Art Online: Artists can get exposure from these 7 great resources.
72. Financial Goal Setting Worksheet: Use this worksheet to state your long and short term financial goals as an artist.
73. The Starving Artist Guide to Financial Planning: Get an overview of the basics of financial planning for starving artists.

Assessments

Take these quizzes and other assessments to find out if you’re ready to pursue a career in the arts.

74. Should You Quit Your Job for Art?: Find out if you’re ready to live your dream or not.
75. Career Assessment Tests: This advice from Career Toolkits will help you find the career assessment test that’s right for you.
76. Everyday Self-Care Quiz for Artists: Create a healthier work and home life with the help of this quiz.
77. Quiz: Should You Make a Career Change?: This quiz will help you determine if it’s a good time to change your career.
78. What’s Your Dream Career?: Learn about your dream career through this assessment.
79. Test Your Art-Selling IQ: This quiz will tell you how likely you are to sell your art or not.
80. Do You Handle Stress Creatively?: The life of an artist is often stressful, and this quiz can help you determine how well you can cope.
81. The Clutter and Creativity Quiz for Artists: Use this quiz to determine whether or not your creativity is being blocked by clutter.
82. Do you have what it takes to be a successful artist?: Take this quiz, and you’ll find out your chances for really making it.

Career Change

If you’re adopting art as a second career, you can find help making the change here.

83. Changing Careers: Here you’ll find excellent advice for making the switch to life as a full time artist.
84. Career Change Dos and Don’ts: Get solid advice for making a smooth transition here.
85. The "Okay, I think I’m ready to be a professional artist," Checklist: Make sure you’ve taken care of these important details before you quit your day job.
86. The 10-Step Plan to Career Change: Learn about the steps to take when you’re leaving your career behind.
87. Changing Careers in Midstream: This article offers advice for switching things up in the middle of your career.
88. This is Just My Day Job: Find out how to step outside of your day job to be more artistic in your life.

Advice

You’ll find valuable art career advice here.

89. Understanding Rejection: Check out this advice to learn how to understand and deal with rejection.
90. Building an Art Career: Ask the Recruiter: This article explains the marketability of an art career.
91. How to Find a Job: Here you’ll find lots of great advice for a successful job hunt.
92. 5 Facts Artists Have to Face to Succeed in Business: Follow this advice to learn how to succeed as an artist in business.
93. Telecommuting: Is it For You?: You can find out whether working at home is a good idea for you, or if you need to work with other artists in a community studio.
94. Choosing Art as a Career: Learn about career options, money, and more.
95. How to Succeed in Animation: Gene Deitch offers this advice for doing well in the field of animation.
96. After School Special: Advice for Emerging Designers Lynda Decker of Decker Design has some smart advice about the steps you should take when building a successful design career. Before You Choose a Visual Art Career
97. : Read this advice to carefully consider your future in the visual arts.
98. Art Careers-How to Research Careers in Art: Check out this article to learn where to go to learn about art careers.
99. Get a Design Job!: Download RitaSue Siegel’s Get a Design Job free from the AIGA and get some useful advice on breaking in to the world of design.
100. Art Deadlines List: Learn about the deadlines and requirements for art competitions, internships, jobs, scholarships, and other opportunities.

Even distinguished universities are starting to offer respected online degree programs; but for some, there is still a sigma associated with online learning. But distance education isn’t just for people who can’t get accepted anywhere else or who don’t have dreams of being successful in their field. These five celebrities have attended online schools, including the University of Phoenix and Penn State.

1. 
   Shaquille O’Neal: Basketball powerhouse and four-time NBA Championship winner Shaquille O’Neal has branched out into acting, music, and even law enforcement. His formal education is just as diverse: O’Neal started out at LSU but dropped out after three years to play for the NBA. In 2000, he returned to LSU and earned a bachelor’s degree in General Studies, just as he promised his mother he would do. After earning a bachelor’s degree, however, O’Neal decided to return to school; and in 2005, he earned an MBA from the University of Phoenix online.
2. 
   Mary Peters: Proving that an online degree can help you reach the White House, former United States Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters served under President George W. Bush from 2006 - 2009. Peters is a Phoenix, AZ, native and also a graduate of the University of Phoenix online program. She earned a bachelor’s degree in management from Phoenix before working for the Arizona Department of Transportation in the 1980s.
3. 
   Lisa Leslie: Lisa Leslie is considered to be one of the greatest female athletes of all time. She was the first player to dunk in a WNBA game, is a three-time WNBA MVP, and has four Olympic gold medals. Leslie played college basketball at the University of Southern California in the early 1990s and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communications. She ultimately went back to school and earned an MBA from the University of Phoenix.
4. 
   Sasha Cohen: Figure skater Sasha Cohen is a U.S. National Champion, Grand Prix Final Champion and Olympic silver medalist, but she is still considering a return to competition at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. The 24-year-old California native is also focused on her education, studying nutrition from Penn State University’s online program.
5. 
   Hilary Duff: Hilary Duff has been acting and singing professionally from a young age, and though she was raised in Texas, she has been working and living in Los Angeles since the 1990s. Now, Duff has her own clothing line and lifestyle brand, continues to act and sing, and is even taking college classes online through the Harvard Extension School.

By Alisa Johnson

Twitter is a growing phenomenon among everyone from stay-at-home moms to the US President. Lawyers and other law professionals haven’t missed out on this trend either, and you can find numerous Twitter feeds that are full of insights into the work of these working professionals in all areas of the field. Here are 100 Twitter feeds we’ve pulled together from law librarians, lawyers, students and much more to keep you in the loop.

Law Students

These Tweeters are in the same boat as you, sharing their experiences in law school as well as advice and guidance on law issues and much more.

1. Rex7: This third year law student is approaching graduation and a potential career in litigation and provides loads of valuable links and information.
2. TheSenator: Tweeter Jessica is a law student in Knoxville, Tennessee tweets about her experience as a law student, politics, comic books and everything else.
3. mynameisdom: Check out this feed for tweets from this second year law student living in Manhattan.
4. sabrinaross: Sabrina is a law student at Berkeley Law who shares her research, studies and struggles as she works towards a degree.
5. NTLS: Here you’ll find the feed of Larry Brown, a non-traditional law student currently working as an accountant balancing a career and family.
6. joshcamson: Self-professed nerd and law student Josh shares his thoughts on law school, technology and more.
7. tokkibell: Thisstudent is attending Washington University in St. Louis talks about his travels, schools and job hunting.
8. justinianlane: Those interested in law and civil justice will find another to share ideas with in this tweeter.
9. no634: Minneapolis student Jansen is working on getting his law degree and tweeting along the way.
10. mglickman: This Tweeter is not only a law student but also works as an IT guy and still finds time to spend with his children.
11. kluper: Student Katie Luper is attending law school and keeping up with the latest technology.

Law Firms

Check out these law firms who are embracing the power of the internet to tell you what they’re up to. Many are top firms that law students  and paralegal students can keep up with for future employment opportunities.

12. Deacons: This Australian law firm is one of the fastest growing on the continent and keeps you up to date with what the partners are doing through the feed.
13. statonip: Staton Law Firm lets you know just what they’ve been working on through regular Twitter activity.
14. fulbright: The International Law Firm of Fulbright & Jaworski maintains this feed with links and updates relevant to the law community.
15. KattenLaw: Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, a Chicago law firm, is a full-service firm that posts updates on recent cases in their feed.
16. McDermottLaw: This leading international law firm, McDermott Will & Emory, has taken to the net with regular posts on Twitter.
17. weilgotshal: This firm has 21 offices worldwide and makes it easy for you to keep up with them in their feed.
18. WCSRtwit: With a cute bulldog as their logo, Womble Carlyle keeps you in the loop when it comes to law news and their own business practice.
19. gowlings_law: Take a trip to our northern neighbors and learn more about their law practices from this Canadian firm’s tweets.
20. SimmonsCooper: Simmons Cooper is a nationwide law firm that spends a lot of its time dealing with asbestos cases as you will see from their feed.
21. PatelWarren: This Houston-area firm specializes in family law and civil litigation.
22. shannongracey: Self-described as a "Texas-sized" practice, this firm deals with everything from oil issues to insurance.

Law Librarians

Researching cases in school and beyond will be an essential part of your law career. These librarians are working hard to help you find what you’re looking for.

23. glambert: Greg Lambert is a law librarian, blogger and social media speaker who has some great ideas and information to offer in his feed.
24. stevematthews: Steve Matthews is the founder of Stem Legal, a law librarian and all around internet marketing whiz.
25. jeiseman: This tweeter works at Yale Law Library and posts about his daily experiences as well as law librarian issues.
26. BetsyMckenzie: Law librarian Besty posts updates about libraries and technology in her feed.
27. RKaiser: Don’t let this law librarian fool you, she’s up-to-date on the latest technology, not just Twitter but podcasting as well.
28. jogiammattei: You can read more about the activities of this law librarian through her twittering.
29. amylibrarian: While not a law librarian, this blogger does work in the academic setting and can offer insights into her profession and libraries in general.
30. sglassmeyer: Tweeter Sarah is the reference librarian at University of Kentucky College of Law and her feed lets you in on her daily activities.
31. mak506: Learn about the personal and profession life of this law librarian.
32. Carravaggio: David Holt is a Librarian at the Santa Clara University School of Law and shares his thoughts on technology and more here.
33. shucha: Head of Reference at the UW Law Library, Bonnie is a great resource for information about libraries and a whole lot more.
34. robertheym: This tweeter used to be an attorney but now works as a law librarian offering insights from both sides.

Professional Lawyers

Law students can learn more about the careers of working lawyers, their opinions and experiences through these Twitter feeds.

35. dhowell: Denise Howell is a lawyer, mom and lover all of techie stuff.
36. Montaignejns: This lawyer is addicted to politics and news and often posts about them in this feed.
37. BILL_ROMANOS: Bill is an attorney for an aerospace company and can provide some insights into the field for prospective employees.
38. LeeRosen: If divorce law is your thing then check out this divorce lawyer’s feed.
39. taxgirl: Find out what it takes to be a tax lawyer through this regularly updated feed.
40. nikiblack: Niki spends her time working as a lawyer, doing legal writing, blogging and perusing social media like Twitter.
41. adriandayton: This corporate lawyer is working hard at becoming a published author.
42. probateblogger: Here you’ll find some amusing legal stories from this probate lawyer.
43. kreisman1: Attorney Bob Kreisman shares his and his firm’s activities in this feed.
44. guntrustlawyer: From estate planning to guardianship, this lawyer takes care of numerous issues that are important to families.
45. BostonAttorney: This lawyer handles personal injury cases as well as business and insurance issues.
46. MACrimeLawyer: Living in Massachusetts, this criminal lawyer shares his thoughts on a range of criminal law issues.
47. barrettdavid: Barrett David is not only a business litigation lawyer but maintains the largest LinkedIn lawyer network.
48. lisasolomon: This professional is concentrating on legal research and writing so law students like you can stay in the loop.

Lawyers and More

These Twitterers are lawyers, but they embrace other careers as well. Keep up with their multi-faceted lives with their Twitter feeds.

49. kevinhouchin: Kevin is an attorney who dabbles in writing, art, speaking, marketing and more.
50. AlexisNeely: This busy mom is a lawyer who spends a lot of her time as a financial expert on television programs and writing books to help families get their finances under control.
51. ronfox: Ron works as a lawyer but also works helping lawyers who have been laid off or who are dissatisfied with their jobs find new work.
52. upwardaction: T.C. Coleman is more than a lawyer. She also runs a firm that coaches businesses on better marketing and branding.
53. LawBiz: Ed Poll is CEO of LawBiz Mgt, a firm that helps to coach and consult with lawyers so they’ll be more successful.
54. stacystern: As president of Justica.com, Stacey Stern is busy online and in the law profession.
55. LDPodcast: With interests that include the law profession, pediatrics, and podcasting, the lawyer and mom is one busy woman.
56. commcounsel: This tweeter is a media law attorney, crisis communications advisor, PR strategist, speech coach, media relations trainer, and adjunct professor of law.
57. ElizabethPW: With maintaining a law career, hosting a radio show, and home schooling her children it’s amazing this attorney has time to Twitter.

Professors and Academics

These Twitterers are teaching law students just like you and preparing the next generation of lawyers.

58. LawProf: IP/TechLaw prof Michael Scott shares his thoughts on the internet, technology and legal issues in this feed.
59. Zittrain: This tech-loving professor tweets about his classes, thoughts about technology and a lot more.
60. MarkRMatthews: This attorney is also a professor and shares his thoughts, often from a conservative viewpoint, on a range of issues.
61. lessig: Check out this feed to read the posts of this Canadian law professor.
62. Nechlaw: This professor is interested in immigration law and gay rights and share his thoughts on his feed.
63. ericgoldman: Associate Professor at the Santa Clara University School of Law, Eric Goldman uses his feed to share his personal and professional interests.
64. jmilles: Here you can read tweets from James Milles a professor at the SUNY University at Buffalo Law School.
65. AnnePMitchell: Anne is CEO of an email delivery service, a law professor and former attorney who still finds time to twitter.
66. annalthouse: This blogger and law professor shares her thoughts here.
67. shaunjamison: Shaun Jameson is a busy guy, working as a law professor, life and business coach, and law speaker.

Technology and the Law

What topic is more apt for lawyers to talk about on Twitter than technology laws? These feeds focus on just that.

68. CopyrightLaw: Copyrights can be hard to control in the wild west environment of the internet. This blog can keep you updated on all kinds of copyright law news.
69. InternetLaw: Want to learn more about the laws that apply to the internet? Check out this helpful feed for more information.
70. PrivacyLaw: Professor Michael Scott keeps you up-to-date with what’s going on with privacy law in the new age of the internet in this feed.
71. Josh Kagan: With interests in technology law, video games and the legal profession, this Tweeter can help you keep up with the latest goings-on.
72. kevinokeefe: Kevin is not only a lawyer but also is the CEO of LexBlog and the operator of LexTweet.
73. BrettTrout: This attorney isn’t just working with patent law but has also published a book called CyberLaw.
74. rkoman: Check out this feed for information about civil litigation and technology.
75. kaplanmyrth: This Canadian lawyer works in technology law and new media.
76. bobcoffield: With expertise in health care, business and technology law, attorney Bob Coffield has a lot to offer interested readers.
77. adamesq: Adam is an attorney specializing in technology, making him a good resource for students interested in pursuing a similar career.
78. EFF: The Electronic Frontier Foundation is dedicated to helping individuals defend their civil liberties online.

Paralegal

Graduates of law programs will more than likely be depending on the skills and expertise of paralegals to make their jobs easier. Find out more about what these professionals do, their experiences in law and more from these feeds.

79. LauraLeeSparks: Laura is more than just a paralegal with a wide range of other skills and interests to offer as well that can be helpful in your law career.
80. ExpertParalegal: Tweeter Lynn is a paralegal and an author of a book who has loads of knowledge to share about her field.
81. lilyhill: With a wide variety of posts in her feed, this paralegal and digital consultant has lots of interesting reading to offer.
82. Lrantz: Linda Rantz is a bankruptcy paralegal who sometimes works as a virtual assistant on the net in the same capacity.
83. lawfirmblogger: This feed is home to posts on the legal profession as well as advice on navigating the net.
84. ATLparalegal: Want to find paralegals to work over the net? This gal could be what you’re looking for.
85. cerussell123: This Chicago-area paralegal shares her experiences working at Kreisman Law Offices.
86. VickiVoisin: Vicki is a paralegal trainer and mentor who posts about her career in this feed.
87. ParaGate: Jeannie Johnston is paralegal but also the CEO of the largest paralegal magazine out there. Check out her feed for more info.

Law Schools

These law schools have taken up Twittering to share their news, events and important information for law students at their school and other schools across the nation.

88. harvard_law: Harvard Law was the school of choice for our president and you can learn more about what they have going on through their feed activity.
89. stanfordlaw: This California-based school offers loads of news items in their feed that are relevant to law students.
90. uchicagolaw: The University of Chicago maintains this blog that updates you with everything happening with the school and the faculty.
91. DukeLawPub: Those interested in law publications may want to check out this Twitter feed from the Duke University Law School.
92. yalelawlibrary: Find out more about the resources available at Yale’s Law Library from this feed.
93. BaylorLawSchool: From learning more about the programs at Baylor to finding out what events are going on, you’ll find loads of information here.
94. nyulaw: New York University’s School of Law maintains this feed with posts relevant to the school specifically and the law community at large.
95. mulaw: Learn more about Marquette University’s Law School from this feed.
96. wululaw: This Virginia law school’s feed is full of law-related news updates and information about the school.
97. JMLS_Chicago: John Marshall Law School in Chicago shares their events and goings-on through their Twitter feed.

State and Federal Law

These feeds will keep you up-to-date on state and nationwide legal issues.

98. publiclaws: This feed will keep you abreast of U.S. federal laws as they are entered in the registrar, ensuring you stay on top of what’s new and important.
99. NewYorkCivilLaw: Maintained by attorney Matthew Lerner, this feed can help you learn more about updates to New York’s civil laws.
100. USSupremeCourt: Want to learn more about Supreme Court rulings? This feed is full of them.

By Alisa Johnson

With all the glitz and glamour, it’s hard to remember that celebrities are just regular people, too. Before they were famous, they went to school, had part-time jobs, and possibly even had dreams besides stardom. And while certain celebrities decided to give up on those dreams once they made it big, others have continued to pursue worthwhile causes, educating themselves and proving their worth beyond their high profile images. These ten celebrities aren’t just good looking and talented, they’re also incredibly smart and driven.

1. Jenny McCarthy: Former Playboy model–she was Playmate of the Year in 1993–Jenny McCarthy dominated the B-list entertainment industry as the big-chested blonde with an irreverent sense of humor. Over the next ten years, McCarthy hosted Playboy TV’s Hot Rocks, MTV’s Singled Out, E! TV’s Party at the Palms and The Jenny McCarthy Show on MTV. She continued to pose for and work for Playboy, but in 2007, McCarthy became known more for her autism activism than her crude movie roles and modeling gigs. After her son Evan was diagnosed with autism in 2005, McCarthy became a highly visible advocate for autism awareness and often criticized childhood vaccinations for their alleged role in causing autism. McCarthy served as spokeswoman for Talk About Curing Autism in 2007 and 2008, has written a book on autism advocacy, Louder than Words: A Mother’s Journey in Healing Autism, and contributes to FHM magazine.
2. George Clooney: George Clooney has been a celebrity since he started acting as Dr. Doug Ross on ER, but he belongs to a family of Hollywood royalty. His aunt was the legendary singer and actress Rosemary Clooney, who was married to Academy-Award winning actor Jose Ferrer. Over the years, however, Clooney developed from a TV star to a blockbuster movie star and sex symbol into a serious actor and director who has worked on award-winning projects like Good Night and Good Luck and Michael Clayton. Besides nurturing his career in the entertainment business, Clooney is well-known for his activism in bringing awareness to Darfur and other disadvantaged, war-torn regions in Africa. In January 2008, he was named by the United Nations as a Messenger of Peace and by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World for his involvement in bringing awareness to Darfur. He has collaborated with writer and Nobel Prize-winner Elie Wiesel, his father Nick Clooney, fellow actor Don Cheadle, and others in various film and activism projects on behalf of the people in Darfur.
3. Ben Affleck: Another movie star-turned activist, Ben Affleck first became a real celebrity when he won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Good Will Hunting. Though he took smaller roles in films before Good Will Hunting, after he shared the Oscar with Damon, Affleck was able to find work in more high-profile projects, like Armageddon and Pearl Harbor. In 2007, Affleck won praise for directing and co-writing the screenplay for Gone Baby Gone, which starred his younger brother Casey Affleck. In addition to his film career, Ben Affleck is a political and social activist who has campaigned for Al Gore, John Kerry and Barack Obama. He has even hinted that he may one day consider running for government office, and in 2008, Affleck began backing advocacy projects that seek to bring awareness to the humanitarian crisis in the Congo.
4. Brooke Shields: Brook Shields has been in the spotlight since she began modeling at 11 months old. As a young teenager, she appeared on the cover of French, Italian and American Vogue magazines, and in Calvin Klein ads. Shields’ most famous child role was as Emmeline Lestrange in The Blue Lagoon, and she was a People’s Choice Award winner four years in a row in the early 1980s. In 1983, Shields enrolled in Princeton University and graduated in 1987 with a degree in French Literature. Shields is still considered an in-demand actress and maintains a high profile presence in the entertainment industry.
5. Ashley Judd: Actress Ashley Judd suffered a dysfunctional childhood as she traveled around the country with her mother Naomi Judd and half-sister Wynona Judd, as they pursued their musical careers. Judd, however, eventually attended the University of Kentucky and graduated with a degree in French and minors in Anthropology, Art History, Theater and Women’s Studies. Ashley Judd has appeared in movies like Ruby in Paradise, Natural Born Killers, and De-Lovely, for which she earned a Golden Globe nomination. Today, Judd continues to act and is a strong supporter of women’s rights and animal rights.
6. Adam Sandler: Most Americans know Adam Sandler as the goofy SNL graduate who stars in comedies like Click, Happy Gilmore, Big Daddy, and The Wedding Singer. His rambunctious style combines toilet humor and physical comedy, but Sandler has also demonstrated serious acting skills in films like Punch-Drunk Love and Reign Over Me. Sandler is also head of his own production company called Happy Madison Productions, which produced Joe Dirt, Little Nicky, The Master of Disguise, and more. In addition to enjoying huge commercial successes, Sandler also spent time as a serious performing student at New York University, graduating with a BFA in 1991.
7. Reese Witherspoon: Reese Witherspoon is one of the highest paid actresses in the entertainment industry, and is known as a do-it-all force who produces, acts and serves as a spokesperson for companies like Avon. She has won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as June Carter Cash in Walk the Line. Before becoming a movie star, however, Witherspoon acted in films as a child, including The Man in the Moon, her first big role. After acting in other films and TV movies, Witherspoon attended Stanford University and majored in English literature before dropping out to pursue her movie career.
8. Angelina Jolie: When Angelina Jolie first became famous, she was known for her publicly sexual relationship with Billy Bob Thornton, penchant for knives and blood, and gothic appeal. When she won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Girl, Interrupted, her award was nearly overshadowed after she kissed her brother during the ceremony. Over the years, however, Jolie continued to receive critical praise and box office success for her movies, including the Lara Croft movies, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and A Mighty Heart. She has evolved to become a high profile advocate of various humanitarian causes and has been named a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and received the first ever Citizen of the World Award from the United Nations Correspondents Association. As a Goodwill Ambassador, Jolie has traveled to Pakistan, Cambodia, Sierra Leone, and Sri Lanka, and has given speeches at the World Economic Forum, a National Press Club luncheon, and other events.
9. Claire Danes: As a teenage actress, Claire Danes was the poster child for 90s angst and one of the most influential and successful young actresses of the time. She attended the elite Dalton School in New York and later won a Golden Globe for her role in the TV series My So-Called Life, starred in Little Women, William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and others. Danes is the granddaughter of the dean of the art and architecture school at Yale University, and for two years, Danes enrolled at Yale as a psychology student before dropping out to pursue her film career. She is still considered a thoughtful, intelligent actress who stars in successful films like Shopgirl and The Hours.
10. 
    Lily Cole: British model Lily Cole doesn’t fit the models-are-stupid stereotype. Cole graduated from the selective Latymer Upper School in London. As a teenager, she signed with the modeling agency Storm Models and has worked with top fashion professionals like photographer Steven Meisel and designers like Alexander McQueen. She has been the face for Rimmel, Tiffany & Co., and other brands, and has even appeared in a Marilyn Manson film called Phantasmagoria: The Visions of Lewis Carroll, in which she plays Alice. She was also accepted into King’s College at Cambridge in 2007 and began studying art history there in 2008.

Whether you’re enrolled in a business school degree program or desperate for a review of b-school basics as you start your own company, it’s hard to pass up free study materials. These 100 ebooks on marketing, management, ecommerce, and finance are all free and worth checking out.

Basic Business

These foundational courses focus on basic business skills like earning money, understanding your relationship with the customer, and more.

1. Art of Earning Money: In the Art of Earning Money, you’ll learn how to turn a business idea into a stable business.
2. Strategic Marketing Process: This book can show you how to boost performance by reworking your business strategy.
3. Business Plan Success: Get tips on setting up a solid business plan.
4. Focus: The Key to Success: As a business manager or owner, you’ll need to be able to focus and have perspective at all times.
5. Business Correspondence: Learn professional correspondence etiquette here.
6. Instant Loyalty Strategies: Understand customer loyalty strategies here.
7. Biz Success: This business book is a great introduction for beginning business students.
8. Closing the Sale: Whatever kind of business you’re in, learn how to close the sale.
9. Instant Strategic Alliances: Find out how strategic alliances can boost your business
10. Business Writing: Learn the 7 principles of business writing here.

Management

Become a better manager with these courses, which cover topics in psychology, change management, and more.

11. BMA’s Change Management Articles: Get tips on change management in this book.
12. Instant Testing and Measuring: Learn how to manage a marketing team here.
13. Conquer Your Fear of Change: This change management book will help you learn the strategies needed to take your business in a new direction.
14. Best Management Quotations Vol. 1: Get inspired to be a better manager by reading this book.
15. The Removal of Distracting Thoughts: Become a better manager by learning to remain focused.
16. How to Speak and Write Correctly: Brush up on effective communication here.
17. Introduction to Management: Contents in this tutorial include management history in the U.S.; planning, organizing and leading groups; supervision; and more.
18. Management Learning and Training: Learn management basics here.
19. How to Turn Challenging Situations Around: Learn how to positively manipulate a situation.
20. MBA Operations Management: Chapters here include Process Planning and Design, Inventory Management, and Enterprise Resource Planning.

E-commerce and Internet Marketing

Review the cutting edge techniques necessary to master online business.

21. 3 Vital Steps to KickStart Your Web Business: Daniel Sudhakar’s book helps you "avoid all the mistakes that start-ups make."
22. Breaking Into Internet Marketing: Get an introduction to online business and Internet marketing here.
23. Secret Twitter Manifesto: This ebook will show you how to use Twitter to its maximum potential as a marketing tool for your business or brand.
24. E-business Starter Kit: This manual claims to have everything you need to start up your online business.
25. Webmaster Business Masters Course: Learn how to navigate the start-up phase of an online business.
26. Advertising and Promotions: Learn about advertising law, public relations and more.

Finance

Here you can review accounting, investments and other business finance guides.

27. Budget Breeze: Learn new budgeting strategies for your business. Includes budgeting forms.
28. Best of Wealth Anthems 2008: Discover ways to build wealth.
29. Enhance Your Financial Intelligence: Better manage your finances and investments with this guide.
30. Don’t Get Business Credit: Learn about business credit cards and loans.
31. Bankruptcy to Go Ebook Kit: This book outlines the 102 things you need to know before you file bankruptcy.
32. 10 Mistakes We Make at Networking Events and How to Avoid Them: Become a better networker by reading this guide.
33. Solving the Money Puzzle: Personal Finance Made Easy: Get more finance and budgeting support here.
34. The Gilded Age: Listen to or read Mark Twain’s famous work to better understand the pitfalls of a wealthy society.
35. Financial Accounting: Learn accounting principles, financing assets, and more.
36. Principles of Accounting: This book covers inventory, investments, property and equipment, liabilities, and more.
37. Introduction to Finance: Contents in this resource include Capital Budgeting, Financial Calculators and Investing.
38. Public Finance: Here you will learn about the financial intents and restrictions of government.
39. Principles of Finance: Learn about returns, the value of money, and more.
40. Accountancy: Get an overview of assets, liabilities, creditors, and more.

Human Resources

From recruitment and hiring to understanding group dynamics, these HR books can strengthen your company.

41. The 10 Most Common Mistakes in Hiring: Learn how to hire the right employees after reading this manual.
42. Human Resources Management and Leadership: Develop skills in performance management, staff development and general HR management.
43. How to Build Relationships that Stick: This book helps you nurture mature relationships.
44. Understanding Words, An End to Anger and Conflict: Get valuable anger management and conflict resolution tips here.
45. Managing Groups and Teams: Learn how to effectively manage a team.
46. Organizational Theory: This human resources management ebook goes over organization structures.
47. Introduction to Psychology: By reading this introductory psychology book, you’ll have a better understanding of how your employees respond to different situations.
48. Organizational Leadership Study Guide: Topics covered here include moral leadership, organizational behavior, change theory, and innovation.
49. 10 Things They Never Tell You When You Start Work and Why: Help new employees adjust by reading this book.
50. Social Psychology: Learn about the social mind, personality, and group dynamics here.

Marketing and Advertising

Review marketing and advertising techniques here.

51. The Ten Critical, Must-Have Marketing Techniques: Increase your sales by following these ten steps.
52. Affiliate Marketer’s Handbook: Get tips on promoting affiliated products online.
53. BMA’s Advertising and Promotions Articles, Vol 1.: The BMA’s book on advertising can help you learn new strategies for your business.
54. Creating Compelling Customer Value Propositions: This book teaches you strategies for understanding your company’s value and communicating that value to customers.
55. How to Fix Customer Satisfaction at Your Company: Increase your return and recommend rate with the help of this guide.
56. Instant Press Advertising: Learn all about this advertising strategy.
57. 12 Simple Ways to Promote Your Website: Tim Priebe shares tips on website promotion.
58. 5 Tips for Successful Small Business Marketing: Small business owners get focused marketing tips here.
59. 10 Ways to Write More Effective Ads: Write better ads that reach your customers here.
60. Advertising for Results: Get tips on writing headlines, gathering materials, coming up with an advertising plan, and more.
61. All About Marketing: Learn about inbound and outbound marketing.
62. Marketing Research: This guide can help you understand different techniques for marketing research.
63. Visionary Marketing Innovation: Here you’ll learn how to improve marketing information systems.
64. Marketing: Here you will find an overview of marketing principles like market research, marketing ethics, and consumer behavior.
65. Communication Theory/Propaganda and The Public: Learn how the public reacts to marketing and propaganda.
66. Advertising: Lessons from this book include Television, Radio and Print Advertising, and Strategies.

International Business

Check out these books and resources to better understand international business concepts.

67. Basics of International Economics: Get the basics of international economics here.
68. International Financial Reporting: Learn about international balance sheets, cash flow statements, and more.
69. Managing Groups and Teams/How Do You Manage Global Virtual Teams?: Learn skills in managing global teams.
70. The Information Age/Globalization: Discover information and security issues that affect globalization and international business.

Business Law and Ethics

Make sure you’re running an ethical, lawful company by reviewing these guides.

71. 7 Infamous Resell Rights Questions Answered: Learn more about resell rights in this manual.
72. Introduction to Philosophy: Learn about ethics here.
73. Entrepreneur’s Guide to Business Law: Business students get a crash course in business law here.
74. Marketing Ethics: This specialized resource focuses on marketing ethics.
75. U.S. Corporate Law/Introduction: Learn about partnerships, limited liability companies and more.

Economics

Here you can check out introductory and upper-level economics resources.

76. An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations: Read Adam Smith’s infamous book here.
77. Principles of Economics - Carl Menger: Review the principles of economics according to Menger here.
78. Macroeconomics and Microeconomics: Get lessons on demand and supply, market systems, and profit from this e-resource.
79. Essential Principles of Economics: Here you’ll learn about game theory, monopolies, cost and supply, competition, and more.
80. MBA Lectures in Macroeconomics: Get MBA-level instruction on business cycle, international economics, inflation, and more.
81. The Demand and Supply of Public Goods: Dissect Neoclassical economic theory here.
82. A History of Economic Thought: Review the economic theories of Adam Smith, John Stuart Mill, Karl Marx, Keynes and others.
83. The Power to Tax: Here you’ll learn about a "revenue-maximizing government" and what that can mean for business.

Jobs and Career

Manage your job search here.

84. Your Layoff and the Law of Attraction: "Secrets of the Hidden Job Market": Janet White’s book helps you transform your perspective when searching for a job.
85. Secrets to Successful Job Hunting in a Sluggish Economy: Discover tips on standing out in a recession.

Entrepreneurship

These books can help you start up your own company.

86. The Woork Handbook: Learn how to design your own web page when you’re first starting out by dissecting this guide on CSS, HTML and Ajax.
87. Buy Anything Wholesale Guide: Save your newbie business money by buying wholesale.
88. Don’t apologize for SmallBusiness: This book aims to pump more self-worth into the small business owner.
89. Home Business Success: Turn your home business into a lucrative company.
90. Studying Strategy: Learn new ideas in strategic management here.

Niche Business Ebooks

From sports marketing to law firms, these niche books feature a more specialized perspective.

91. How to Increase Profits for Your Law Firm: Victoria Ring’s ebook helps attorneys build business.
92. Business information management: Learn about information management systems and business principles.
93. Consumer Behavior in Travel and Tourism: Those in the hospitality industry can learn about consumer behavior here.
94. Marketing and Football: This sports marketing book focuses on soccer.

Miscellaneous

Review business ebooks on social responsibility, sales pitches, and more.

95. Prospecting and the Sales Pitch: This book may help you better your sales pitch.
96. USPS Shipping Overseas - How to Ship Internationally: Learn how to ship overseas to customers and vendors.
97. Corporate Social Responsibility: This British class focuses on social responsibility standards.
98. Starting and Running a Business: This guide will explain the steps you need to take to start up a business.
99. Writing a Business Plan: Learn about writing plans for marketing, operational systems, and more.
100. Professional Customer Service: Step up your commitment to customer service after reading this book.