Lost in the hustle and bustle of Christmas and the blitz to wrap up courses, there’s a little holiday called Thanksgiving. I think this day gets overlooked, and, as with many American holidays, the true meaning is skipped right over. As Christians, we are mindful of the things we have to be grateful for. The word abundance has stuck with me in the weeks leading up to the holiday season.. We are blessed, living with more than enough provision. But it goes beyond that. We lead lives with an abundance of intangible blessings and grace. If you look at from an American perspective, many of us are enjoying blessings that our parents and grandparents hoped for us. How many of us have the opportunity to “have it all” - the education, the family, the career, the house and car? We live in abundance. Initially, the thought made me feel a twinge of guilt. I will be the first woman in my family to have all these things. But I recognized that in living in God’s gracious abundance, I have the opportunity to pour out even more. How can I leverage my education to impact others around me? Can I use my skills and knowledge to help them achieve their own goals and ambitions? What is the calling in my life to further His kingdom with my career, based on the education I have been granted? How is my life positioned to make eternal impacts in ways not available to those before me? These questions can be asked of you. How is God calling you to utilize the abundance in your storehouses? The abundance we enjoy is not limited to the material possessions we have or the careers we’re working towards. We are abundantly blessed by the relationships and friendships fostered through our educational and professional networks. Don’t overlook the value or forsake the connections made during this season, especially in a like-minded, Christian environment. How is God speaking to you this Thanksgiving season? How can you use your abundance for His glory? Enjoy your Thanksgiving, from your family at Amberton University! “For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance.” - Matthew 13:12a

Letter writing is an artform. It requires one to deliberately set aside time to complete them, which is challenging given our chaotic and busy world. Yet letters are so invaluable. Before you start your first round of college courses, sit down and write a letter to yourself to read when you graduate. Write down what you expect to take from your time in school–you’ll be surprised at how much more you learn about yourself and your field of study. Tell your future self about the things that motivate and drive you. Remind yourself of the things that intimidate you and even worry you about college and the challenge you’re undertaking. One day you’ll look back and see that you are so much greater than those doubts and fears, and you will see how you’ve grown and achieved your goals despite them. Even though you’re an adult and have life experience, college will refine you. You envision challenges today in the abstract, but, as with anything, you don’t know how you’ll react until you’re in the situation. You’ll learn to think with a new perspective and gain fresh, valuable professional insights. Like iron sharpens iron, you will be tested and improved during your time in college. Writing a letter will give voice to your thoughts and feelings. You’ll more clearly see the progress and change you’ve made. Graduation is a proud time. There’s a definite satisfaction to earning a degree. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, roughly 33 percent of American adults have an undergraduate degree and only 12 percent hold an advanced degree. Relish your achievement once you’re there, and give yourself a way to look back and see how far you’ve come. Take a few minutes to self-reflect, plan and dream. Anticipate the challenges and victories of this upcoming season in your life, and then write it down. You’ll appreciate it on graduation day.

Amberton University does not require prospective graduate students to submit GRE or GMAT scores in their application.  All 18 master’s programs are accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission. You can find full graduate application requirements here or contact an advisor to discuss your application today!

---

Getting all your ducks in a row to prepare your application for graduate school is a lengthy and detailed process. One of the most important boxes to check is taking the GRE or the GMAT.

So what’s the difference between the GRE and the GMAT? And why doesn’t every school require applicants to take one of these tests?

Both the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) and the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) are standardized tests utilized for graduate-level admissions. Both tests include three sections: an analytical writing section, a quantitative section, and a verbal section.

The function of the GRE is to gauge a student’s ability to succeed in a graduate program and evaluate their general academic aptitude. The GRE is the most widely accepted graduate admissions test globally.

The GMAT is specifically used to predict a student’s success in a business program, and is often required for admissions to an MBA program. This test includes a fourth section which assesses a student’s integrated reasoning skills.

The GRE and GMAT are graduate-level counterparts to the SAT and ACT. The tests are similar and evaluate like categories. Certain universities or degree programs prefer one test score over the other. Make sure you know what the program requires well in advance of applying so you can adequately prepare and schedule to take the appropriate test.

Many universities are moving away from requiring the GRE or GMAT for graduate school admissions, or are changing the emphasis placed on scores for specific circumstances. Admissions boards are using substitute components to evaluate applicants, including resumes, portfolios, writing samples, professional work experience, and more. These markers are often more predictive of a student’s performance and professional success than standardized testing.

On the flip side of the coin, a GRE or GMAT requirement is not indicative of the quality of the degree program. When choosing a graduate program, you should research the university and department’s reputation, determine if a school is accredited, and evaluate if online and on-campus courses and requirements mirror one another.

Zoom Link:  https://ambertonuniversity.zoom.us/j/87217905361?pwd=rorxCwk9hW4SXcDaCAahBHY6FyyF3W.1 Meeting ID: 872 1790 5361 - Passcode: WINTER2025

You dutifully undertake extra responsibilities at home. You’re a steadfast support, homework checker and study buddy. You’re the piece that really completes the whole puzzle. And you are appreciated.

Generally, the families and support systems of students aren’t recognized until graduation day. Sometimes in the grind of starting and completing a college education, the focus is so dialed in on the student, that the importance and vital support from the family can be overlooked or even taken for granted. So, on behalf of your student, and in advance, you’re the best.

You’re the best because you’re going to deal with a lot, and will still hold it all together.

1. Be understanding

Supporting your spouse’s decision to go back to school might seem like a one-time decision, but you will have to wake up each morning and choose to be understanding. You might even have to make that decision multiple times a day. Going back to school is stressful and can be intimidating. Be reassuring of your partner’s capabilities and understanding of the feelings, emotions, and responsibilities they’ve undertaken. You are the lighthouse in the storm.

2. Allow them to focus

Stepping up to the plate and shouldering more responsibility at home so your spouse can buckle down on their studying and school work will make all the difference in your spouse’s academic success. Ultimately, academic success will result in professional success that will benefit your family for years to come.

3. Celebrate the accomplishments

The best part of being a fan is watching your team win. The best part of being a spouse when your partner is in school is seeing them get an A, pass the class, graduate, and just be excellent overall. Break out those pom poms, boys and girls! Celebrate those achievements! Remind your spouse you are proud of their accomplishments - no matter how small they might be.

4. Stay connected

School is in session and everyone is busy. Dedicate yourself to making time to regularly connect with your spouse. It’s a running theme for any married couple - make time for each other, date your spouse, communicate. But it’s worth repeating. Stay anchored in your relationship. Don’t allow the research papers, presentations, and finals to take over your lives completely.

5. Remember it’s only for a season

College won’t last forever. Eventually, your spouse will complete the graduation requirements and earn their degree. The routine will shift again, and you’ll live more like you did before they enrolled. You’ll have made it through the hardship together. Seasons are temporary, and even though you might not know exactly when graduation day will be, it will come. When choosing to be supportive is harder, remember it’s just a short season of life.

You are special. You are valued. And when graduation day comes at Amberton, it’s as much about you as it is about your student spouse. So put on your game face, and rock this school experience together.

Have questions about Amberton? Join our Advisors for a live Zoom, Thursday, August 29th from 6:30pm - 7:30pm!  RSVP at Info@Amberton.edu. Zoom Link:  https://ambertonuniversity.zoom.us/j/87217905361?pwd=fk5rcS92k3ugz9WelgVvdArU5BgTjd.1 Meeting ID: 872 1790 5361 - Passcode: FALL24

Have questions about Amberton? Join our Advisors for a live Zoom, Saturday, August 3rd from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm!  RSVP at Info@Amberton.edu. Zoom Link:  https://ambertonuniversity.zoom.us/j/87217905361?pwd=fk5rcS92k3ugz9WelgVvdArU5BgTjd.1 Meeting ID: 872 1790 5361 - Passcode: FALL24

Finals are tough. No one enjoys taking them. But they’re a necessary evil for every college student. Studying for the big test is important -- of course, you know that. As finals approach it’s important to maintain consistent study sessions. When you’re getting those study juices flowing, remember these tips to maximize your time and efforts.

1. Make a Schedule

You’re a working adult student. You’ve had to carve out time to go to class, write papers, create presentations, study for tests; making time specifically to study for a final is not anything new to you. Don’t overlook or take for granted the time needed to study for the biggest exam of the semester. What’s the best way to eat a whole elephant? One bite at a time. Think of your study sessions the same way. You’ll retain more information if you divide up the material into manageable chunks, and spread out the units over the number of days you have for studying.

2. Find a Quiet Place to Concentrate

No matter what your study and homework sessions looked like throughout the semester, you have to devote your time to studying without distractions before finals. Generally, it’s the biggest portion of your grade for the class. Do you really want to risk anything less than your best because your little one chucked macaroni at you, or the line at Starbucks wrapped around your study table?

3. Ask Questions

Your professors are here to help you learn, grow, and retain the information so you can apply it in your career. If you’re unsure about a topic, ask for clarification. Make sure you set yourself up to understand. Pro tip: if your professor provides you with study guides or a practice final, complete it! Mark it up. Write all over it. And take the practice test a couple of times.

4. Cater to Your Learning Style and Preferences

By the time finals roll around you should be familiar with what works for you during your study sessions. Stick to that game plan. It’s not the time to deviate and try something new. Do what you do, and then knock it out of the park!

5. Take a Break and Rest

This is a biggie. Don’t get so bogged down studying before finals week that you kill your energy and have nothing left in the tank. Have faith that you’ve prepared yourself throughout the course for this last moment. Study and do your thing, but then take time for yourself and relax. Finish the race strong! Finals week sounds daunting and demanding than it really is. It is rigorous, but you’re a working adult student. You’re a rockstar! When you’re walking out of your exam know that you’ve accomplished a lot in taking and completing the course. Savor the feeling and know you’re thriving in college.

Guess what? School is going to be stressful. Going to school and working and keeping up with your responsibilities is going to be tough. You’re going to be overwhelmed.

Embracing Time Management

But guess what else? There are hundreds of stress management techniques that will help you through the grind. Unmanaged stress is costly. Allowing the pressure to build and your anxiety to run rampant will affect your mental and physical health, and the quality of your production.

1. Mastering Time Management

Manage your time effectively by having a game plan in place to make the most of your 24-hour day. Knowing what you need to get done, how long it will take, and when you’re going to commit to completing it will keep your stress levels as low as they can be.

2. Discover Relaxation Techniques

Learn the best ways to relax yourself. Find what calms you and re-energizes you. Commit to regular, consistent self-maintenance to ease your stress and decompress.

3. Let Go of Minor Issues

Don’t sweat the little things. Focus on the things you can control and let the other things do what they will. Be resilient like a duck, letting the nuisances roll off your back.

4. Cultivate Positivity

Be positive! Give yourself affirmations about how awesome and inspirational you are. Never get down on yourself for making the choice to take the hard road.

5. Maintain Emotional Balance

Avoid extreme reactions. Maintain an even keel, work hard, and enjoy the ride. Don’t let stress cause you to spiral into turmoil. Stress doesn’t have to dictate your life or your college experience. Don’t allow the pressures to decrease your ability to complete your coursework as best you can. You can find a healthy balance while working and going to school. And you’ll do great!

Have questions about Amberton? Join our Advisors for a live Zoom, Saturday, June 1st from 12 pm to 1 pm!  RSVP at Info@Amberton.edu. Zoom Link:  https://ambertonuniversity.zoom.us/j/87217905361?pwd=cqCScdWOaBlezLjUvnlbvTU9p6Y1dS.1 Meeting ID: 872 1790 5361 - Passcode: SUMMER24