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Hot Topics in 2009 for Non-Traditional Students

The People's Choice List of the Most-Asked for Info in 2009

By , About.com Guide

Non-traditional students consistently requested these hot topics in 2009. From setting SMAART goals to writing a personal essay, non-traditional students found info on hot topics right here.

1. Write a Personal Essay

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.

2. Should You Go Back to School?

Going back to school is a serious proposition. This popular article is a list of eight things to consider before going back to school.

3. SMAART Goals and Objectives

People who write down their goals in a very specific manner consistently make them happen. Give your personal goals and objectives a fighting chance by writing them down in the right way. Make them SMAART goals and objectives, and you'll have a much better chance of attaining them.

4. Which Degree Is Right for You?

Once you've decided to go back to school, which degree is the right degree to go for? Know your choices. It'll make choosing a school much easier and more appropriate. Invest your time and money wisely.

5. What Are Continuing Education Units (CEU)s?

CEU stands for Continuing Education Unit. A CEU is a unit of credit equal to ten hours of participation in an accredited program designed for professionals with certificates or licenses to practice various professions. If you need CEUs to maintain your certificate of degree, be in the know.

6. 12 Steps Toward Your College Degree

If you continue to wish you had your college degree, stop wishing. It's not too late, no matter how old you are. You don't have to do it on your own. All kinds of help is available for the asking. Start with these 12 steps. Make 2010 the year you get your degree.

7. How to Write a Learning Contract

A learning contract is a document a student creates to compare current abilities with desired abilities, and determine the best strategy for bridging the gap. What do you need to know that you don't already know? The learning contract includes learning objectives, available resources, obstacles and solutions, deadlines, and measurements. Write a contract with yourself.

8. 10 Ways to Discover the Credentials You Need for the Job You Want

What credentials do you need for the dream jobs out there? Here are 10 ways to discover the credentials you need for the jobs you want, even if you’ve already had a career and are finally admitting that it wasn’t the best choice for you. There’s time to make a change.

9. What Is Professional Certification

Professional certification is a process in which a person proves that he or she has the knowledge, experience, and skills to perform a specific job. All kinds of jobs, from the highly technical ones to those in the arts, require professional certification. Explore this fascinating world. What do you want to be an expert at?

10. 5 Places to Rent Your Textbooks

Our #10 top article of 2009 is fitting for our sluggish economy: where can you rent textbooks? Find out right here.

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