Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Staying Strong During your First Few Years

Going to college is an exciting event that many high school children look forward to years in advance. The promise of striking out on one's own and making a life for themselves is an exceptionally alluring prospect, but not one without issues. Many times, students that enter college believe they know exactly what they want to do, but eventually feel as if something is missing from their lives. They attend their classes regularly, maybe even excel in them, but can't shake the feeling that something is wrong. This wavering of spirit can be very detrimental and could affect anyone, even those with the most conviction.

Attending Bible College is no different than going to any other university, and the issues that crop up in state colleges can still plague students of theology. Countless are the number of young men and women who come to question their decision to walk in God's light as they begin their first years of study, but this is perfectly normal. The important thing to remember is that your conviction and belief in His message was support enough to bring you this far, and it will remain strong enough to carry you through the rest of your life.

If you feel uncertain about your decision to pursue faith based education, remember the desire that brought you to that decision. Remember your friends and family that supported your decision and how much faith they instilled into your choices. Seek comfort and resolution in prayer and scripture, the tools that helped you vault over all of life's hurdles thus far. Remember, you need not feel guilty for second guessing your decision. It is more important to recall why you've made the choices you have, and to pursue your interests with the depth of love God has for you every day.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Making it Past those University Jitters



It is perfectly common for a student to feel like a small fish in a big pond when they consider the future of their theological study. Should they begin looking at local universities that offer religion courses or could there be a better option out of state? What part do the internet and online schools play in making this decision? At the end of the day, a child’s future is not to be taken lightly, so consider the following suggestions before jumping into a school.

Talk with your Educators
Teachers are a veritable font of wisdom, and not just about theological research. Every private school teacher will have gone to college in some degree, and they likely had many of the same concerns. If you’re feeling uncertain when the topic your future studies arises, visit your favorite educator after class and ask to talk about what’s on your mind. Sometimes all you need to get on the right track is a little reassurance from someone that has experience.

Investigate as Many Colleges as you Can
Another problem potential students have is deciding which university they should attend. The institution that is going to help you build a future should not be treated as an arbitrary decision. With literally hundreds of options available, making a blind decision would be tantamount to throwing away your potential. Make an informed choice only after investigating and visiting the schools that interest you, including online colleges.

Prepare your Mind
Several students that pass out of private high school still contend that they are not ready for Bible College, due to a perceived lack in understanding of the word. Yet, this problem can be solved with little more than time and focus. Struggling students can get up to speed with the right amount of studying, support, and practice testing. Maintaining an interest in the faith and having the honest desire to do God’s work are the only two qualities that are necessary, the rest can be taught.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

How to Avoid Getting Ripped off when Opening a Student Bank Account



From religious university to state school, one problem that plagues all college students is balancing funds properly. First-time college students should get familiar with using a bank account and debit card when receiving financial aid. Several banks provide a variety of services that make it easier for students to access their money and pay for tuition. There is a list of things to consider when a student is looking to open an account for the first time in order to avoid encountering unfortunate traps built into accounts targeting a younger, inexperienced audience.

Excessive fees are something that people of every age are concerned about when opening up an account, and so it pays to investigate what charges might await you. It is important to visit the financial institution’s website to get a list of fees associated with the account and information on how to avoid them. While many banks may be up front with their fees, the dreaded “hidden fees” do exist. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – it’s your job to choose a bank that is trustworthy.

Whether purchasing books or grabbing a bite to eat, most students use the ATM machine on a regular basis. Be sure that your bank doesn’t have additional charges for utilizing specific ATMs, and ask if using that bank’s machines require a fee. By being strategic with your ATM choices, you can save a lot of money that would otherwise go into the bank’s pockets.

Don’t forget to scope out an account that allows for a variety of options for receiving refunds. Big name banks often offer account holders multiple ways to receive their college refund, including: transfer to a debit card, deposit into a bank account, or given as a paper check. Opening a debit account is the fastest option and allows students to have immediate access to their money for both online and offline schools.

Whether you choose to attend an
online bible college or state university on location, a reliable financial institution can give students quick access to their financial aid to prevent any delays in attending class. If students choose to use an unreliable bank, then this could result in higher fees and tuition not being paid on time. This is only just the beginning, however. As you continue to learn and grow, it will be as important to learn proper spending and saving habits alongside of your chosen area of study. Failing to do so may cause you a great deal of trouble once you’ve gotten your degree and have to stare down a pile of debt.

Monday, March 10, 2014

How and When to Begin your Child’s Bible College Career



As all parents know, seeing your children succeed in their scholastic endeavors is one of the greatest rewards that come with the territory. While it’s great when our sons and daughters are capable of excelling with nothing more than their own natural talents, sometimes they may need a little bit of help getting into the right college when the time comes. Occasionally a promising student will have difficulty finding a university they are comfortable attending, or they may not have the option to travel very far from where they live. Even the brightest and most intelligent youths can fall into these traps, missing out on the opportunities they deserve. In times such as these, the best option may be to rely on the assistance of online colleges.

When is the appropriate time to begin seeking out an online college? How does a parent know if their child is ready to begin plotting their professional career? The most important thing to look for when determining if it is time to look into universities is the area of interest your child wishes to pursue. Often times, students who have very specified interests will find it difficult to locate a college that will tend to their needs. One such subject, for example, is biblical and theological studies. Generally, finding a qualified biblical college in every part of the US can prove to be a headache, leaving some students with an unfair disadvantage. Should these children be deprived the enriched lifestyle that religious understanding offers? Of course not, which is why online bible classes may be the best option.

Meeting with your child’s religious mentor is a great channel through which to access professional education options. Since the mentor likely interacts with your child on the topic of their interest regularly, there is a good chance they will know where their skills could best be nurtured. Discuss the situation thoroughly to gain inside information and insight on the growing popularity of online biblical studies. It is possible, if the mentor is actively involved with theological schools, that he or she may know a great deal about programs and potential courses. More information can help you in making a better decision when plotting your child’s future.

Thankfully, the number of online bible schools has been steadily increasing over the past few years, and finding the right program may only take a short amount of time. Parents are sure to find professionals specializing in several subjects, ranging from interpretation to teaching. Getting into a good college is harder for the youth of this generation than ever before. The best way to ensure that your children get the education they deserve is to create the best foundation today.