The top 10 hot topics for non-traditional students changed over the last year. Writing SMAART goals dropped dramatically from No. 2 to No. 9. Too bad. GED topics, however, were molten hot. Nowhere to be seen in 2009, GED topics take three top 10 spots in 2010. Here's the full list.
1. Should You Go Back to School?
Comstock - Getty Images
Going back to school is a serious proposition. This popular article is a list of eight things to consider before going back to school.
2. Writing the Personal Essay
Andrea Chu - Getty Images
Don’t be surprised if writing a personal essay is one of the first assignments you get upon returning to school. You know, "What I Did on My Summer/Holiday Vacation." Be prepared. Personal essays are actually one of the easiest things to write, but like all other kinds of writing, there are specific aspects of the essay form for which your teacher will be looking.
3. What Is GED?
Javier Pierini - Getty Images
New on the list this year: What is GED? GED stands for General Educational Development. You may have heard people refer to the GED as the General Educational Diploma or the General Equivalency Diploma, but these are incorrect. GED is actually the process of earning the equivalent of your high school diploma, which is called a GED certificate or credential. What is GED? It's a chance to feel a great sense of accomplishment. It's the path to college.
4. The GED Test: What's On It?
Stockbyte - Getty Images
"Is it on the test?" Isn't that the consummate question? Everyone wants to know what's on the GED test. Besides, knowing helps you study. Find out before you begin.
5. What Are CEU's?
Steve Cole / Getty Images
So what ARE CEUs? They're Continuing Education Units. At No. 5, it's clear that lots of people need them. Find out why CEUs are important to all of us.
6. 5 Places to Rent Your Textbooks
Martial Colomb - Getty Images
Okay, so this is no surprise, given the economy. If you're not interested in keeping your textbooks as references, you might as well save a load of money and rent them. We list five places, and readers responded with their favorite places.
7. Definition of GED
ULTRA.F - Getty Images
Sometimes it's the short and sweet that people love most. This simple glossary item was a hit last year. Can you define GED? You can now.
8. Which Degree Is Right for You?
Medioimages - Photodisc - Getty Images
Slipping from No. 4 to No. 8 is a listing of the different types of degrees. If you know you want to go back to school, but you're not sure what degree you need for that dream job, we've got your choices.
9. How To Write SMAART Goals and Objectives
Graduation by Digital Vision - Getty Images
Personal development is often one of the first things to get marked off the priority list when life gets hectic. It happens to everyone. Give your personal goals and objectives a fighting chance by writing them down. Make them SMAART goals and objectives, and you'll have a much better chance of attaining them.
10. June 30 Is FAFSA Deadline
Mel Svenson - Getty Images
June 30 is the deadline every year at www.fafsa.gov for applying for financial aid from the U.S. government. www.fafsa.gov has easy steps on the main page, clearly explaining how to apply. FAFSA is one of the first steps in college admission. Check out all the FAFSA info on the Continuing Education site:
<ul>
<li><a href="http://adulted.about.com/od/goingbacktoschool/tp/fafsaadvice.htm">FAFSA Application Advice</a>
<li><a href="http://adulted.about.com/od/goingbacktoschool/qt/startearly.htm">Financial Aid Is First Step in College Admissions</a>
<li><a href="http://adulted.about.com/od/goingbacktoschool/tp/10factsaboutfinancialaid.htm">10 Facts About Financial Aid</a>
<ul>
