We live in interesting times where a lot is going on in politics, science, environment and other fields, across the world. They are calling it the most engaging elections to the Oval Office while world politics has changed dramatically. Whether you are preparing for your SAT or you are a student, you can do well by keeping up with world news. It’s not only to do well in your competitive exams but also because awareness builds opinions. And there is a lot you can learn from expert opinions that are expressed in New York Times columns. We have narrowed down a list of NYT columnists you can read and follow to gain a better understanding of current affairs. NYT columnists that make for interesting reads include: David Brooks The much followed and loved columnist has been writing for NYT since 2003. The genial academic is also a commentator for NPR’s “All Things Considered”. Whether he is writing about Politics, Culture or the Social Sciences his columns tend to find an emotional connect with the readers. Charles M. Blow Has been an Op-Ed columnist with the paper since 2008 and is also their Graphics Director. The author of “Fire Shut Up in My Bones”; he writes on Politics, Public Opinion and Social Justice. His columns appear twice a week and the recent ones on upcoming elections have attracted huge attention. Andrew Rosenthal It’s not common to find a relatively new columnist with a paper to make it to a Top 5 list, but such is the reputation of Mr. Rosenthal. After having worked as the Editorial Page editor for the paper for 9 years, he started his column in June this year. In a short time he has build a staunch following as he writes about topics from Popular culture to politics to national security. Gail Collins The first woman to be appointed Editorial Page editor at The Times, she is one of the most respected columnists with the paper. The author of several books offers a fresh and interesting perspective on American Politics and Culture. Thomas L. Friedman If you want to know more about the world affairs and how recent events are shaping things then Mr. Friedman is your man. The winner of two Pulitzers for International Reporting, and another for Commentary, he writes about Foreign Affairs, Globalization and Technology in his weekly column that appears on Wednesdays. You can follow these columnists regularly, go through their archives and learn a lot about things around you.    

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You must have been told repeatedly that your SAT scores matter when you apply for school in the United States. But, what if you want to avoid the rat race of taking the SAT and the stress that comes along with it, altogether? Are there good colleges in the States that do not require you to take the SAT at all? If the answer is in affirmative, the subsequent question that arises- just how much will going to one of those colleges cost you and which college is good for which course in particular? Let’s take a look. Name Estimated cost per year of the course Top Programmes Offered Middlebury College (VT) A programme will cost upwards of $50,000 1. Comparative Literature 2. Creative Writing 3. Computer Science 4. African Studies 5. Women and Gender Studies Wesleyan University (CT) A programme will cost upwards of $65,000 1. Astronomy 2. Biology 3. Computer Science. 4. Chemistry 5. Mathematics Bates College (ME) A programme will cost upwards of $70,000 1. Biology 2. Physics 3. Psychology 4. Neuroscience 5. Economics Smith College (MA) A programme will cost upwards of $65,000 1. Architecture 2. Art History 3. Astronomy 4. Biochemistry 5. Computer Science New York University (NY) “Test Flexible” A programme will cost upwards of $65,000 1. Art History 2. Cinema 3. History 4. International Relations 5. Music University of Rochester (NY) “Test Flexible” A programme will cost upwards of $ 65,000 1. American Studies 2. Applied Mathematics 3. Biomedical Engineering 4. Brain and Cognitive Sciences 5. Computer Science Brandeis University (MA) A programme will cost upwards of $70,000 1. Art History 2. Biology 3. Optics 4. Biochemistry 5. Mechanical Engineering University of Arizona (AZ) A programme will cost upwards of $50,000 1. Biomedical Sciences 2. History 3. Psychology 4. Physiology 5. Medicine Arizona State University (AZ) A programme will cost upwards of $22,000 1. Business 2. Management, 3. Marketing 4. Biomedical Sciences 5. Visual and Performing Arts. Kansas State University (KS) A programme will cost upwards of $35,000 1. Business 2. Marketing 3. Engineering 4. Social Sciences 5. Family and Consumer Sciences Drake University (IA) A programme will cost upwards of $ 46,500 1. Advertising 2. Anthropology 3. Art History 4. Chemistry 5. Economics Baldwin-Wallace College (OH) A programme will cost upwards of $35,000 1. Accounting 2. Arts Management and Entrepreneurship 3. Athletic Training 4. Broadcasting & Mass Communication 5. Business Administration University of Wisconsin –Whitewater (WI) A programme will cost upwards of $40,000 1. Teacher Education and Development, Specific Levels and Methods 2. Business Administration & Management 3. Finance & Financial Management 4. Accounting 5. Liberal Arts and General Studies California State University – Chico (CA) A programme will cost upwards of $ 32,000 1. Accounting 2. English 3. Economics 4. Modern Languages 5. Criminal Justice San Jose State University (CA) A programme will cost upwards of $30,000 1. Business 2. Marketing 3. Engineering 4. Performing Arts 5. Psychology   Start Preparing For SAT Free with QS-LEAP

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It is often said that extensive reading is a must to crack the MBA entrances, especially the Verbal section. Now, the question is what you should read to gather the knowledge and augment your communication skills. Your reading regimen should include lots of interesting and educational stuff including the international magazines for students like: 1. The Economist: It is the most read business magazine encompassing a swathe of international economics and politics. It is a weekly magazine with lots of news-worthy content although the prose is quite overwhelming. 2. Money: This is pure finance along with a supplementary diet of business news, financial market data, and stock quotes. If finance is not your forte, it may not prove worthy to you. 3. Frontline: This magazine defines a versatile reading. It covers the stories from across the world on numerous topics. However, it requires a lot of focus to comprehend it completely. 4. Bloomberg Business Week: This is a weekly international magazine that is not purist about business as Economist is. It entertains with stories on technology, entertainment, business, and finance. It is agreeably attuned to the business world. 5. Entrepreneur: This magazine will persuade the entrepreneur in you to bring your ideas into reality. It focuses on the small businesses and provides them sufficient information for starting, managing, and growing their enterprise. If you are not an entrepreneur-type, then it may not be for you. 6. The New Yorker: The New Yorker is comprised with culturally diverse content. It includes politics, business, world affairs, art reviews, poetry, fiction, and lots more. So, it is a magazine that will keep you engaged to reading for long hours. 7. Forbes: It talks about the elite in the global business. Forbes is rich in information about the companies and people who run them so successfully. It is a must-read if you also dream to make it big in the corporate world. 8. Fast Company: This international magazine covers all the latest trends in the business world. It gives an unsullied approach to the art of entrepreneurship. 9. The Wall Street Journal: It is one of the most renowned global business magazines. It covers a lot of international news and trends related to the domains of business and finance. 10. Business World: This magazine stands out in the terms of its editorial pieces and news content. The language is polished, indeed. The only flaw is that it is published fortnightly. So, you may miss its weekly dose. These are the top 10 magazines for the students preparing for coveted entrance exams.

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Yes, knowledge is paramount but at the end of the day, we all want the majors we select- to feed us, clothe us and help us pay back the humungous college debt without economically (and practically) crippling us. College is expensive. Not just in terms of money invested but considering the four very valuable years of your youth. Changing a major that didn’t work for you can be devastating. Furthermore, being saddled with a job you might not have wanted in the first place can be worse. To help you out, analysts at PayScale compared their massive ‘compensation database’ containing 120 college majors/job growth projections all the way to 2020 from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to present to you the 15 most valuable majors in the current marketplace. Katie Barado, lead economist at compensation research firm, PayScale, says that few majors (as discussed below), if you look carefully, aren’t for everyone. With the right temperament and drive, you can go on and do wonders no matter where you are. However, these disciplines are often referred to as the safe majors and promise you a stable source of income. If you look at the survey by PayScale.com, an associate degree in Management Information Systems has the highest median income. The next big field is healthcare. Dental hygiene majors make the most especially in their early careers with salaries up to ($61,300), followed by nursing majors who sit on ($52,200). So, what are those majors that will lead you to a cushy life and keep your future secure? Read on.   1. Petroleum Engineering Starting Salary: $101,000 Mid-Career Salary: $168,000   2. Mining Engineering Starting Salary: $71,500 Mid-Career Salary: $109,000   3. Chemical Engineering Starting Salary: $69,500 Mid-Career Salary: $118,000   4. Computer Science & Engineering Starting Salary: $69,100 Mid-Career Salary: $115,000   5. Computer Engineering Starting Salary: $68,400 Mid-Career Salary: $109,000   6. Nuclear Engineering Starting Salary: $68,200 Mid-Career Salary: $121,000   7. Systems Engineering Starting Salary: $67,100 Mid-Career Salary: $114,000   8. Electrical & Computer Engineering Starting Salary: $67,000 Mid-Career Salary: $114,000   9. Dental Hygiene Starting Salary: $65,800 Mid-Career Salary: $72,800   10. Aeronautical Engineering Starting Salary: $65,100 Mid-Career Salary: $113,000   11. Electronics & Communications Engineering Starting Salary: $65,000 Mid-Career Salary: $105,000   12. Aerospace Engineering Starting Salary: $64,800 Mid-Career Salary: $107,000   13. Materials Science & Engineering Starting Salary: $64,600 Mid-Career Salary: $105,000   14. Industrial Distribution Starting Salary: $58,100 Mid-Career Salary: $106,000   15. Software Engineering Starting Salary: $62,500 Mid-Career Salary: $96,800   Have more questions. Ask them on LEAP Admission Counselling Group   *Sources:  Business Insider, Pay Scale, Forbes, ThinkAdvisor and Time Online.

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We all remember Robin Williams as John Keating from the movie Dead Poets Society. Most of us have dreamt of becoming a teacher like Keating was or those with humbler ambitions have at least yearned for a teacher that could fill his onscreen shoes. Here is a list of four brilliant and decorated professors from the United States. These real life Keatings have changed countless lives and continue to inspire us all by the legacy they had left in their wake. 1. Madeleine Albright: Can be found at: Georgetown University Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright teaches international relations at Georgetown University. Yes, you read it right. The Madeleine Albright. Who better to teach you International Relations than a former secretary of the state? Despite her age, Ms. Albright is rated really high on RateMyProfessor.com and is unanimously loved by all.   2. Paul Krugman: Can be found at: Princeton Paul Krugman Who is a renowned author and columnist for the New York Times and has a Nobel Prize to top it off, is teaching two Economics classes at Princeton's Woodrow Wilson School this semester. His students rave on RateMyProfessor.com about how inspiring it is to learn from a real life legend and a titan in his field. Can be found at: Princeton Paul Krugman, who is a renowned author and columnist for the New York Times and has a Nobel Prize to top it off, is teaching two Economics classes at Princeton's Woodrow Wilson School this semester. His students rave on RateMyProfessor.com about how inspiring it is to learn from a real life legend and a titan in his field. 3. Temple Grandin Can be found at : Colorado State University Temple Grandin, who is a famous animal rights activist, author and autism advocate has been an animal science professor at Colorado State University since 1990. This current semester, she has livestock handling classes with the undergrads once a week. One of her students on RateMyProfessors.com said “Professor Grandin is perhaps one of the all time greats. She's very famous world wide for her work with livestock, and for improving treatment of animals- especially cattle.” 4. Henry Louis Gates Jr. Can be found at: Harvard University Henry Louis Gates Jr. teaches classes on African American studies at Harvard. He is a renowned literary critic, scholar, writer and intellectual. He was the first African-American to receive the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Fellowship and the host of many of PBS’s miniseries. Image Source: www.Wikipedia.com  

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