Affectionately known as Caltech, The California Institute of Technology is a private university specializing in intensive natural sciences and engineering curricula. Renown for their aeronautical advances in jet propulsion, Caltech, through its subsidiary Jet Propulsion Lab, works intimately with NASA. It is fair to characterize their relationship by saying when NASA wants to go to space, the JPL figures out how to get them there.  Read more... (383 words, estimated 1:32 mins reading time)

Expanding your roster of executive tools is an ever-evolving endeavor. You have to take the time to learn. You have to learn what forces are shaping the markets that most affect your ability to make fast, effective decisions. As an executive, or aspiring executive, your livelihood depends on your ability to make the right decision when it counts. Failure is as close as one bad choice.  Read more... (419 words, estimated 1:41 mins reading time)

When many people consider returning to school, they often reflect on what their high school experience was like. They have unpleasant memories of hard wooden desks and strict teachers. Todays adult education system is much more improved. Going back to school is now becoming a very popular choice for adults. There are many reasons why older people are continuing care about their education. Some of these reasons include:

Increase their chances of getting a promotion or pay raise Improving their chances of acquiring a better job Inspire their children to continue their education Personal achievement and an interest in continuing their education Acquiring new skills needed for a current job  Read more... (605 words, estimated 2:25 mins reading time)

First, there’s absolutely no need to freak out if you’re not the valedictorian or salutatorian of your high school.

Did you know that the vast majority of admits to Harvard and Stanford aren’t?

Here’s what you need to know about your high school GPA and class rank to get into any Ivy League school:

1) It’s ok to have a bad freshman year GPA. What’s important is that you GET BETTER – show improvement over time

2) Probably more important than your GPA are your transcript and the classes you take. Be sure to take the MOST DIFFICULT COURSES your high school offers – Advanced Placement, IB, etc  Read more... (329 words, estimated 1:19 mins reading time)

Extracurricular accomplishments are tough to judge, because they vary widely by school, by region, and by state.

There are obvious organizations and competitions – for instance, Key Club and Science Olympiad.

For everything else, it comes down to a qualitative judgment. That’s why you need to do everything you can to be the best, regardless of what activity you’re involved with.

Having worked in the Admissions Office of a Top 20 college (as well as being a former Ivy Leaguer), I’ve developed a clear perspective on exactly what you need to accomplish in your extracurriculars to stand out.  Read more... (337 words, estimated 1:21 mins reading time)

According to behavioral theorist, Abraham Zaleznik, leaders are inspired visionaries, concerned with substance. Zaleznik identified key differences between leading and managing. First and foremost, managers are planners who are concerned with process. Leadership theorist, Warren Bennis, expounded on this key difference with a host of definitions for managers and leaders.

Managers ask how and when, while leaders ask what and why. Bennis claimed managers administer, while leaders innovate. Managers imitate, while leaders originate. Furthermore, he argued managers emulate the classic good soldier, whereas leaders are their own person, preoccupied with originality. Indeed, it seems leadership, though a skill that can be learned is a way of living. Leadership programs can teach you how to lead, but it seems a leader simply knows how to lead.  Read more... (416 words, estimated 1:40 mins reading time)

Success is predicated on earning an advance degree, no matter the field of study. Every parent wants their child to be better off than they were, to that end parents must encourage their children to pursue an advanced education. Though a high school diploma is no longer enough, it is crucial. Without that fundamental building block, there can be no grand structure and certainly, no future success.  Read more... (406 words, estimated 1:37 mins reading time)

The Elizabeth J. Somers Women’s Leadership Program requires participating students to take two courses and one symposium together each term, as well as cohabiting the same dormitory for the duration of the program. Offered by George Washington University, the WLP is dedicated to developing women’s leadership skills in such diverse fields as social sciences, political sciences, intellectual pursuits, artistic endeavors, and technological sciences.

This year-long freshman program involves guest speakers, special events and field trips where students meet with women in the leadership positions. The field trips also provide interaction with mentors and connections to possible internship opportunities. Along with the WLP faculty, one graduate student is picked to advise and provide communication between student and faculty members.  Read more... (393 words, estimated 1:34 mins reading time)