Guild FAQs

If you previously attended or are currently enrolled in a degree program at an accredited school outside of our network, transferring prior college credits to a program in our network of learning providers is easy.

Finish any courses in which you are currently enrolled.

Browse the catalog of programs provided by your employer and select the program to which youd like to transfer.

Dont know which program is best for you? Contact a coach who can help you decide.

Onceyou'vedecided on a program, fill out the free, online application on Guilds website. The application will require:

Unofficial transcripts of all college courses, including any classes you are currently enrolled in.

A completed FAFSA.

Once youre approved, the school to whichyou'veapplied will conduct a free transcript evaluation to let you know which of your credits will transfer.

Thats it! Once your application is approved, well follow up to get you enrolled!

To learn more about the application process and receiving Tuition Assistance, you can review a handy timeline by clicking here !

Once you submit an application on the Guild website, a Guild advisor will be in touch to help with your next steps. Before your start date, you can expect an email and/or a phone call with more information. Be sure to double-check your junk/spam folders for next steps emails in case they accidentally get marked as spam! You can learn more about who you will hear from and when by clicking here.

Here are a few other things to keep in mind:

On your student dashboard, you may be prompted to set up your learning portal account or discuss specific payment details with your advisor, and youre wondering what your next steps are. Hang tight! Once we review your application, your coach will reach out to help with your next steps. This process usually takes 1-2 weeks.

If you're applying to a university program, then there's no need to reach out directly to the university. Guild will package your application and send it to the university for you. Your coach will let you know if there are any additional steps you need to take before being officially accepted.

If for some reason you haven't heard from your coach within 1-2 weeks of submitting your application, let us know by selecting the " Contact a Coach " option on our website and we can get you connected from there!

Learners with an email address that was used in the past will receive an error when trying to log-in. This is happening because you likely used the same email to set up a previous account with Rosetta Stone, even if that account is no longer active and/or has no license attached to it.

We recommend that you reach out to [email protected] with 1) the email from your Guild account, and 2) stating that you are accessing Rosetta Stone from Guild. Rosetta Stone will re-set your email address, and once they do, you can attempt to log-in again as normal.

What is College Start?

An online college on-ramp ideal for students with less than 12 college credits

The College Start program is a pathway to college that includes a prerequisite course and 4 college-level courses, giving students the opportunity to earn up to 13 credits in 10 months or less. These courses are ACE accredited and will help set you up for success in your future degree program.

These self-paced online courses give you the flexibility to earn college credit while balancing work, life, and school. Learn anytime, anywhere on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. College Start might be a good fit if you want to earn college credit while building the skills and confidence needed to be a successful college student.

What are the benefits of College Start?

Gain credit, get online experience, work at your own pace!

Motivated students can quickly earn up to 13 college credits

Students whodon'thave much experience with online learning can get started in a lower-risk environment

Credits earned in College Start may transfer to:

Bellevue University

Brandman University

Purdue University Global

Southern New Hampshire University

Wilmington University

Who is a good fit?

Here are some example profiles:

A student who has earned a high school diploma or a GED, but has never been to college

A student who has been to college, but has fewer than 12 college credits

Courses offered in College Start

Students will take the following courses:

The Essentials of Managing Conflict*

Introduction to Psychology

Introduction to Statistics

Introduction to Business

Introduction to Information Technology

Alternatives may be available for those who have previously completed similar courses. * Required 1-credit course that enables you to get used to the online platform

How do I apply?

Applications are due on the 1st of each month. Visit guildeducation.com and create an account to view your employer benefits and to start your application.

Application Requirements:

High school diploma or GED

Have questions?

Visit guildeducation.com to learn more about your education benefits.To learn more about College Start and to get started on an application, click here !

Its important to set yourself up for success from day one, so we recommend having the following:

Equipment: Youll want a headset with both a microphone and noise cancellation capability to get the most out of your program. You can expect to pay anywhere from about $20 - $30 for a good headset. Active noise-cancellation in the microphone also improves receiving audio in noisy environments such as a public setting or classroom, allowing for more accurate voice recognition.A few great headsets that Rosetta recommends:

Logitech USB Headset H390

Koss USB Headset (CS100-USB)

Mpow 071 USB Headset

Quiet Place To Study: To get the most out of your Rosetta Stone program, its important to log in every day for 30 minutes. Those 30 minutes (or more) will be the most effective if youre in a quiet place where you can focus, hear the recordings clearly, and are free to try out all the speaking for yourself. We recommend having a conversation with your family/coworkers/roommates/community about your language learning goals. That way, the people in your life know what youre doing and why you need the quiet time.

System Requirements:

Operating Systems:

Windows 7 or later

Mac OS X 10.9 or later

ChromeOS latest (supported for Foundations only)

Hardware (Minimum):

Windows 2.33GHz for x86-compatible processors and 1.6GHz for Intel Atom netbooks

Mac 1.33GHz for Intel Core Duo

1GB available RAM

1024 x 768 display resolution

For more information on the Rosetta Stone System requirements, you can visit their website here.

It might be hard to see day-to-day progress when learning a new language, but that doesnt mean youre not improving. Try reflecting on your learning schedule with the following suggestions:

We recommend that students log in for at least 30 minutes per day, but the program is unlimited. You can log in more frequently and/or for longer stretches at a time if you want to make faster progress.

You have access to unlimited tutoring as part of program, so the best way to make faster progress is to use it! It might help to join 2-3 tutoring sessions a week if youaren'talready doing so.

Remember that you can take your language learning outside of the online classroom! The more you practice and surround yourself with the target language, the more youll learn. Have you tried joining a conversation group or forming a study group with other students? You may also find it helpful to read the news or watch movies in the target language.

Have you joined the Guild language Facebook page to connect with other users?

Remember that moving up a CFER level takes about 100 hours of instruction, and the higher the level, the more time it takes and the more important the live instruction is. In other words, this is hard! Hopefully, by following these suggestions, you can start to see more improvement.

To get in contact with a coach, you can click here to request a phone call or email. Please provide your phone number and email address, and we will be able to assist.

What is FAFSA?

FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Basically, FAFSA is a free application for federal aid for college, career schools, or graduate schools.

Federal Student Aid is a part of the U.S. Department of Education and is the largest provider of financial aid in the nation. Applicants can receive grants, loans, and work-study funds though Pell Grants are some of the most popular.

Where Can I Fill Out the FAFSA?

You can submit your FAFSA on fafsa.ed.gov. Keep in mind: The FAFSA form is FREE, so if a website asks you to pay to fill it out, youre not dealing with the official FAFSA site. Remember, this is a government application, so its on a .gov site. If you need help filling out the FAFSA, there are lots of free resources you can use!

Which FAFSA Should I Fill Out?

To learn more about when to apply for aid and which academic year to submit for, click here !

Do I Have To Fill It Out? What If My Company Is Funding My Education?

No matter who is paying for your education, we require that everyone fill out FAFSA. Think of it this way: even if your company is paying for your education, theres a good chance that youre eligible for federal aid. Because of this, your employer wants to make sure you could take advantage of that.

Remember, FAFSA is free to fill out, and applyingwon'taffect your credit.

If your program and/or employer requires you to fill out the FAFSA, then it will be a required part of the application process. Note that you do not have to be eligible for federal aid in order to fill out the FAFSA.

Do I Have to Accept Federal Aid?

While your employer may require you to accept grant aid, you will not be required to accept loans. You can check your employers financial aid policy for more details or talk to your Guild coach.

What If I Cant Complete the Form?

Until the age of 24, applicants must include specific information about their parents. If youcan'tprovide that information for any reason, you can still out the FAFSA, but you can skip certain sections. If you skip sections, you most likelywon'tbe eligible for federal aid, but you may still be eligible for other types of aid through your state or college.

What IfI'mNot a U.S. Citizen?

Many non-U.S. citizens qualify for federal student aid. Dont assume youcan'tget aid just because youre not a citizen!The most common category of eligible noncitizens is that of a permanent resident (someone with a green card), but there are other categories as well. Check here to see if you can get aid!

What IfI'ma DACA Student?

DACA students can still fill out FAFSA! If youdon'thave a social security number, just use zeros instead. Though youwon'tbe eligible for federal student aid, you may still be eligible for state or college aid, in addition to private scholarships.

Still Confused?

If you have more questions regarding FAFSA, check out the Federal Student Aid website !

Your university may offer "Inclusive Access Fees" and you're wondering what those are and how to pay for them. We're happy to help explain!

An inclusive access fee is a course material that can be accessed directly from the university on day one of the course.Beginning for the Fall 2019 terms, any inclusive access fees will be charged directly to your student account in the same way a tuition expense is charged. Youwon'tneed to visit the bookstore to access these, and theres no access code or voucher required. Your syllabus should list if these fees are utilized for your course.

In order to get these expenses paid for, you will not need to do anything as long as you have employer tuition assistance remaining! These expenses will not be eligible for reimbursement through standard methods. For anything else not included in an inclusive access fee (such as textbooks), you will still need to purchase those separately.

What Are Transcripts?

A transcript is a document that lists all the classes you have taken and the grades you received. Every high school and/or college you attended should have access to your transcripts. You should be able to obtain them without too much trouble unless there are any extenuating circumstances, like owing money to the school. If you didnt graduate or its been awhile since you were enrolled, schools typically keep records or transcripts from years back, so you should be able to get them one way or another.

Why Do They Matter?

If you are applying to a program through the Guild network, it is important that you contact every schoolyou'veattended and request transcripts from each of them. This will help give us a better understanding of your academic history!

To us, understanding academic history is very important for multiple reasons. Some of our schools have specific GPA and transfer credit requirements that youll need to meet in order to be considered. Rest assured, though, that whatever your previous academic records show, we will do our best to help you find a program through your employer benefits package that will be an awesome fit for you.

Another reason why transcripts matter is because, in order to be considered for transfer credit, the school youre looking to transfer into must do a credit evaluation via your official transcript.

But What If I Had Bad Grades?

We get it, sending in your academic history to strangers is intimidating especially if you didnt do well in school the first time. But here at Guild, its our job to help working adults like you reach your education goals. We look at your transcripts as proof that you went to school, and as a way to make sure that you start out in the right program. Plus, federal databases track the schools you've attended, and so there's no point in hiding your previous enrollments. Youwon'tbe able to enroll in or graduate until you send in official transcripts from every schoolyou'veattended.

What If I Dont Want You to See Certain Transcripts?

While wedon'tjudge things that may have happened in the past, we do need your complete transcripts to help you move forward in your education.

If youre holding back transcripts because of past grades, youwon'tbe able to enroll in your program. Its best to be completely honest about your academic record from the start so that we can help place you in the right program. If you try to hide any of your transcripts, we will find out, and it will only delay your education.

Can I Provide Alternatives To Transcripts?

The short answer is no. If the program youre applying to requires transcripts, then we will need to see your actual transcripts. If you have questions about this, please reach out to your Guild coach and theyll be able to assist!

If you didnt attend high school anddon'thave transcripts, we need to see proof that you completed the 8th grade. Acceptable forms for proof include report cards, transcripts, or documents from your school that verify completion.

Article Contributor: Zo Wallis, Education Coach

Besides Federal Aid, there are other types of aid that you can receive to help fund your education:

State Financial Aid

To find out about state financial aid for college, try www.ed.gov/sgt to find your state agency's website.

If you don't qualify for federal aid or you qualify for too small an amount, state aid could help fill in some of the gaps.

Financial Aid from the College

Many colleges offer financial aid from their own funds. Visit your school's financial aid website for information about aid available at that school.

If you have an interest in a particular area of study, you can inquire about any available scholarships in that area or department.

Finding Scholarships

While the FAFSA form is an application for certain free money (grants and scholarships), not all students will qualify. That's why you can find and apply for scholarships at StudentAid.gov/scholarships.

As youre assessing which online scholarship search to use, you should consider whether it is free and, if it requests your personal information, you should carefully read its privacy policy.

Military Aid

Both the federal government and nonprofit organizations offer money for college to veterans, future military personnel, active duty personnel, or those related to veterans or active duty personnel.

You can learn more by visiting the Department of Education's Federal Student Aid website.

Most college students need to borrow money to help pay for their education. There are many options available for borrowing money, so its important to do your research first to find which choices are best for you. We always recommend speaking with your colleges financial aid office to see what options you have, but you can always do some research first. Here are a few articles to get you started:

Federal Student Aids Website:

Differences Between Federal Loans and Private Loans

The Balance:

Differences Between Student Loans and Credit Card Debt

Edvisors:

Should You Pay Off Credit Cards or Student Loans First?

CreditCards.com:

Why Students Pay For College With Plastic, Tips To Avoid It

If youdon'tmake your loan payments, and your loan is delinquent, you risk going into default. If you are in default, you will lose eligibility for additional federal student aid. You will need to get out of default before you can receive aid again. (Note: You can still submit the FAFSA if you're in default, you just won't be eligible for additional aid).

Ifyou'vedefaulted on any of your federal student loans, contact the organization that notified you of the default as soon as possible so you can explain your situation fully and discuss your options. If you make repayment arrangements soon enough after your loan has gone into default, you may be able to resolve the default quickly. Find out who holds your loan by logging in to My Federal Student Aid.

One way to get out of default is to repay the defaulted loan in full, but that's not a practical option for most borrowers. The two main ways to get out of default are loan rehabilitation and loan consolidation. While loan rehabilitation takes several months to complete, you can quickly apply for loan consolidation.

However, loan rehabilitation provides certain benefits that are not available through loan consolidation. You can find more information here, including a chart that compares the benefits of loan rehabilitation versus the benefits of loan consolidation.

When applying for financial aid, you may hear some terms that youre unfamiliar with. Here are some common terms and their definitions that will hopefully help you throughout the process.

Award Amount - Amount of aid a school expects to pay a student based on the students current grant and loan eligibility, enrollment, Expected Family Contribution (EFC), and the school's cost of attendance.

Award Letter - An offer from a college or career school that states the type and amount of financial aid the school is willing to provide if you accept admission and register to take classes at that school.

Cost of Attendance (COA) - The total amount it will cost you to go to schoolusually stated as a yearly figure. COA includes tuition and fees; room and board (or a housing and food allowance); and allowances for books, supplies, transportation, loan fees, and dependent care. It also includes miscellaneous and personal expenses, including an allowance for the rental or purchase of a personal computer; costs related to a disability; and reasonable costs for eligible study-abroad programs.

Dependent Student - Undergraduate students who are under age 24 as of December 31 of the award year are considered to be dependent for federal student aid purposes unless they are married, have dependents other than a spouse, are an orphan, are a veteran or active duty member of the US Armed Forces or satisfy other very limited criteria. If youre a dependent student, you will report your and your parents information.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC) - This is the number thats used to determine your eligibility for federal student financial aid. This number results from the financial information you provide in your FAFSA form, the application for federal student aid. Your EFC is reported to you on your Student Aid Report (SAR).

FAFSA Form - The free application for federal student aid which can be found at fafsa.gov.

Federal Student Aid - Part of the U.S. Department of Education and is the largest provider of student financial aid in the nation. The office of Federal Student Aid provides grants, loans, and work-study funds for college or career school.

Financial Aid Package - The total amount of financial aid (federal and nonfederal) a student is offered by a college or career school. The school's financial aid staff combines various forms of aid into a package to help meet a students education costs.

FSA ID - Username and password that you will need if you plan to sign your FAFSA form electronically. Your FSA ID also can be used to sign loan contracts and to access certain information online.

Grant - Financial aid, often based on financial need, that does not need to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund).

Independent Student - An independent student is one of the following: at least 24 years old, married, a graduate or professional student, a veteran, a member of the armed forces, an orphan, a ward of the court, or someone with legal dependents other than a spouse, an emancipated minor or someone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. If youre an independent student, you will report your own information (and, if youre married, your spouses).

IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) - The IRS DRT provides tax data that automatically fills in information for part of the FAFSA form, as well as for the income-driven repayment plan application for federal student loan borrowers. You can still manually enter your tax return information, but the IRS DRT is the fastest, most accurate way to input your tax return information into the FAFSA form.

Loan - Borrowed money that will need to be paid back. There are several types of loans you can receive, some that are Federal and some that are not. Federal loans are made by the U.S. Department of Education and are available by filling out the FAFSA. Private/Nonfederal loans can be made by a lender such as a bank, credit union, state agency, or school.

Merit-Based Aid - Based on a student's skill or ability. Example: A merit-based scholarship might be awarded based on a student's high grades.

Need-Based Aid - Based on a student's financial need. Example: A need-based grant might be awarded based on a student's low income.

Net Price - An estimate of the actual cost that a student and their family needs to pay in a given year to cover education expenses for the student to attend a particular school. Net price is determined by taking the institution's cost of attendance and subtracting any grants and scholarships for which the student may be eligible.

Satisfactory Academic Progress - A schools standards for satisfactory academic progress toward a degree or certificate offered by that institution. Check with your school to find out its standards.

Scholarship - Money awarded to students based on academic or other achievements to help pay for education expenses. Scholarships generally do not have to be repaid.

Student Aid Report (SAR) - This is the number thats used to determine your eligibility for federal student financial aid. This number results from the financial information you provide in your FAFSA form, the application for federal student aid. Your EFC is reported to you on your Student Aid Report (SAR).

Verification - The process your school uses to confirm that the data reported on your FAFSA form is accurate. Your school has the authority to contact you for documentation that supports income and other information that you reported.

Work-Study - A federal student aid program that provides part-time employment while you are enrolled in school to help pay your education expenses.

Federal Student Aid, a part of the U.S. Department of Education, is the largest provider of student financial aid in the nation. The office of Federal Student Aid provides grants, loans, and work-study funds for college or career school.

To apply for federal aid for college, career schools, or graduate schools, students must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA) form.

Federal student aid covers such expenses as tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and other related expenses, such as a computer and dependent care.

Eligibility for Federal Student Aid is determined using a formula that prioritizes funding for students with the most financial need:Cost of Attendance (COA) - Expected Family Contribution (EFC) = Need

Overview of Federal Aid:

Grants: Financial aid that doesnt have to be repaid. Grants are available for students with the greatest financial need.

Loans: Borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. Loans are available to all income groups, including those with no credit history.

Work-study: A work program through which you earn money to help you pay for school.

Most Common Types of Federal Aid:

Federal Pell Grant

A grant usually awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or a professional degree.

Amounts can change yearly; The current maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $6,095.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

A grant for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need.

Can receive between $100 and $4,000 a year, depending on financial need, when you apply, the amount of other aid you get, and the availability of funds at your school.

Direct Subsidized Loans

Loans made to eligible undergraduate students who have financial need to help cover the costs of higher education at school.

The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest while youre in school at least half-time, or the first six months after you leave school (referred to as a grace period), and during a period of deferment (a postponement of loan payments).

Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Loans made to eligible undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, but in this case, the student does not have to have financial need to be eligible for the loan.

You are responsible for paying the interest on a Direct Unsubsidized Loan during all periods.

Federal Perkins Loan Program

School-based loan program for undergraduates and graduate students with exceptional financial need. Under this program, the school is the lender.

FAFSA4caster - If youre not ready to apply for federal student aid, but youd like to estimate your aid

2019-2020 FAFSA on the Web Worksheet - Provides a preview of the questions students and parents may be asked while completing the FAFSA form

2019-20 Completing the FAFSA Form - Extremely detailed document outlining the FAFSA process

Step-by-step instructions to file your FAFSA, and a helpful YouTube video on How to Fill Out FAFSA.

If you want to apply for Federal Financial Aid, you will need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year. Here are some important dates to keep in mind:

2019-2020 FAFSA

You should fill out this FAFSA you plan to attend college from July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020

Can be filed October 1, 2018 - June 30, 2020

You will use income and tax information from 2017

2020-2021 FAFSA

You should fill out this FAFSA you plan to attend college from July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021

Can be filed October 1, 2019 - June 30, 2021

You will use income and tax information from 2018

If you plan to attend summer classes, you should contact your colleges financial aid office to determine which application they accept for summer sessions.

Keep in mind that while the FAFSA deadline for federal aid is June 30, your state and school probably have earlier FAFSA deadlines for students who want to receive the states or schools aid. For some states, the deadline is as soon as possible after October 1. Some states may have limited financial aid fundsand you could miss out on aid if you wait until the last minute to apply.

Check with your schools financial aid office or consult its website to make sure you are aware of the schools financial aid deadlines. To maximize your potential aid, you should submit a FAFSA form as early as possible after October 1.

In the application process, you may be asked to submit proof that you completed the FAFSA. You should preferably provide a confirmation directly from Federal Student Aid, and here are some examples of what you can submit:

Confirmation email of FAFSA submission from Federal Student Aid

Confirmation page of FAFSA submission on Federal Student Aids website

Note: Screenshots of your confirmation are acceptable as long as the details are legible and we can confirm that its yours

What Are Transcripts and Why Do They Matter?

Though it may be difficult totrack down transcripts, its something that you have to do if you want to go back to school. Your transcripts tell us which classesyou'vetaken and the grades that you got which is how we make sure that you get credit for the classes you passed. To learn more about transcripts and why they matter, click here !To learn more about how to find your transcripts, click here.

Unofficial VS Official Transcripts Whats the Difference?

Dont let the names confuse you! Both official and unofficial transcripts contain the same information. The main difference is that while you can access your unofficial transcripts on your own (most people just print them off the computer), your official transcripts need to be ordered and are sealed so that no one can tamper with the information.See below for more information about each option!

Unofficial Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts are copies of your academic record that you can open, take pictures of, and upload to your Guild application. Unofficial transcripts are obtained by using Parchment (a third-party transcript service) within the Guild application, or by contacting your school(s) directly. Typically, schools can either email or mail unofficial transcripts to you. They contain the same information as your official transcripts, however, since they are unsealed, they are considered unofficial and are not viable for credit evaluation.

Colleges legally have to provide you with a copy of unofficial transcripts, even if you owe a balance. They're sometimes called "grade reports" or "degree audits," and they usually come in a digital format. These should always be free!

If your school does not provide unofficial transcripts, then you can just order an extra set of official transcripts for yourself. Note that when you open your official transcript, it invalidates it and it becomes unofficial, so you will still need to provide an official copy of your transcripts directly to the school you're applying to.

Official Transcripts

Official transcripts are copies of your academic record that are either sent directly from your previous school to your new school, or mailed to you in a sealed envelope. Additionally, you may be able to request official transcripts to be sent to your school(s) of choice via Parchment within the Guild application.

If they are mailed to you, make sure to keep the envelope sealed, place it inside another envelope, and mail them off to the school(s) that youre applying to. Again, these must stay sealed in order to maintain their official status. If they are tampered with, they will no longer hold their official status and cannot be used for credit evaluation.

Colleges typically charge a fee to order official transcripts. If you owe a balance to your previous school, they may put a hold on your transcripts and not release them until you pay off your balance or set up a payment plan.

Which Transcripts Do I Need?

Each Guild program has different application requirements, so we encourage you to check with your Guild coach about which transcripts youll need to apply. Typically, though, you will need to provide both your unofficial and official transcripts throughout the application process.

If transcripts are required, you will need to provide transcripts for every school that you've previously attended.

Ifyou'vetaken courses outside of the United States, then you may need to get your transcripts translated and/or evaluated. Click here to learn more about that process!

How Do I Upload My Transcripts?

If transcripts are required for your program, you will have the option within the Guild application to request your transcripts through a third-party service called Parchment. If your school is not listed in Parchment, then you will need to track down your transcripts on your own.

You will submit your unofficial transcripts directly into the Guild application, and then once we move your application forward, you will submit your official transcripts directly to the school youre applying to.

If you have a digital copy of your unofficial transcripts, you can upload them directly into your application, as long as they're a PDF, JPG, or PNG file. You can also take a picture or screenshot of your unofficial transcripts and that would work as well. If you have a physical copy of your transcripts, then you can either scan them or take a picture of them and upload the file directly into your application. Please ensure that all 4 corners of the document are showing and that all details are legible.

If you have the option between sending your transcripts electronically or by mail, we highly recommend skipping the snail mail and going electronic.

Will My Previous Credits Transfer?

With any of our partner schools, the only way to know if your previous credits will transfer is to fully apply and send your transcripts. Once you do that, the school will be able to determine how many of your credits they can accept.

Article Contributor: Zo Wallis, Education Coach

When you log in for the first time, youll need to use a desktop computer or log in through your mobile devices browser and set up your profile and complete your placement test.

Afteryou'vedone that, you can request the mobile app from your Rosetta Stone dashboard. You will receive an email to download the app to your phone/mobile device. That email might go to your Spam or Gmail Promotions folder, so be sure to search for it if youcan'tfind it!

Once you receive the email:

Click on the correct app store for your specific device (Google or Apple), found in the email. There are different Rosetta Stone apps, so you need to make sure you select the app that is linked in your email.

Download the app

Click on the blue link at the bottom of the screen that says I have an SSO code.

Enter the code guildeducation (one word, all lower case letters) in the code field and click submit.

Click Log In

Sign in using the email and password associated with your employer. Youll now be directed to the Rosetta Stone homepage within the app -- and youre ready to start learning!

When you log in for the first time, youll need to use a desktop computer or log in through your mobile devices browser and set up your profile and complete your placement test

When you first log-in to Rosetta Stone from the Guild site for the first time, Rosetta Stone will prompt you to take the placement test. You should find a quiet place where you can focus for up to 45 minutes, and test your headphones or speakers in advance. When youre ready, just click Get Started.

The placement exam is made up of mostly multiple choice questions. Based on the language scenario (fill in the blank, comprehension, matching, etc.), youll click on what you think is the best answer. Its ok if youre not sure, theres no penalty for guessing. Rosetta Stone will use even wrong answers to get information about your exact language level. Theres a bar above the questions that will show you your progress through each section of the test.

How do I know if I'm eligible?

To check if youre currently eligible for the Rosetta Stone program, please consult the academic catalog for Rosetta Stone offerings. When you select an offering, you can find this information under the requirements section of the page.

If youre not currently eligible for a program today, please make sure to indicate your interest in this short survey to keep abreast of future programs.

When is the next start date?

There actually are no start dates - you can get started at any time! Once you complete your application, youll be able to access your Rosetta Stone program right away from your Guild dashboard.

How do I put the program on my resume?

Within the Rosetta program, youll take exams to show the language level you are. Thus, you could include your language level on your resume with your CEFR score.

Rosetta Stone will also provide you with a certificate of achievement that notes your CFER score on your final proficiency exam

This program is flexible and self-paced, although students are expected to spend at least 30 minutes per day in the program and complete at least 1 tutoring session per month

Students must take a placement exam to place into the appropriate level and will take progress tests throughout the program to continue to track and measure their growth.

Note: When you log in for the first time, youll need to use a desktop computer or log in through your mobile devices browser and set up your profile and complete your placement test

Students complete reading, writing, listening, and speaking activities personalized to their level of proficiency in the language.

Students have access to unlimited virtual tutoring sessions day and night. These groups vary in size from 1-8 people, with most sessions fewer than 4 people. The tutoring sessions are based on exactly where the student is in the course.

Preparing for English Composition

Things to remember:

Just get started. Writing is writing, even if its nonsense. You can always revise later.

The rubric is your friend. Read it before you start, review it as you go, check it before you submit.

Always specify your sources; when in doubt, cite it out!

The Writing Process

Writing process:

For any style of writing, it can be helpful to follow a standard process.

The general writing process is as follows: pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing.

Coming up with a topic for your paper and researching it can feel daunting. This article provides easy-to-follow tips on how to choose a topic and locate and organize sources.

Dont be afraid to write, even if your first draft is awful! Read Shitty First Drafts by Anne Lamott for a refreshing take on writing.

Writing tools:

If youre not super confident with your writing abilities, take a look at these tools.

Grammarly is a web extension that will help you catch easy grammatical and spelling errors.

Khan Academy has some helpful grammar tutorials on all kinds of topics, including: parts of speech, punctuation, syntax, usage, and style.

A thesaurus can come in handy if you find yourself repeating the same words.

Google Docs is a free online resource to use if youdon'thave access to Microsoft Word.

Academic writing:

Remember that academic writing can be a little different than other styles of writing. Use the resources below that are specific to writing in an academic setting.

How to Develop Academic Writing Skills

Nine Basic Ways to Improve Your Style in Academic Writing

Citations and Plagiarism

Resources and citations

A citation is a quotation from, or a reference to, a book, paper, or author, especially in a scholarly work.

Evaluating Internet Resources

Get Started with APA Formatting

EasyBib

Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing

Plagiarism:

Plagiarism is the practice of taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as your own. Its a big no-no and can lead to failing an assignment or even an entire course.

What is plagiarism ?

Hot tip! If you are copying and pasting something, this means you should cite the source!

Here is a Sophia tutorial on avoiding plagiarism.

Preparing for Intro to Statistics

Context:

If math has been a subject thatyou'vestruggled with in the past, this course might prove to be challenging.

Use the resources in this document for extra help!

Course Details:

It is long; five units to be exact. On average, students spend about 55 hours on this course.

Paying close attention to the pacing guidelines on the Sophia dashboard will help you remain aware of whatyou'vecompleted, and how much time you have left.

Things to Consider:

This is a great time to take this course. It will give you the opportunity to brush up on math skills that you will very likely need to be familiar with in a university program.

If you find yourself feeling frustrated or discouraged, take a closer look at the resources below, or reach out to your SSA for guidance.

Resources for Getting Started

Free Scientific Calculator - This online calculator is quite user-friendly and helpful for completing your Statistics coursework.

Google Sheets - If you do not have access to Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets is a great free substitute!

Khan Academy

Khan Academy Math - Browse this page for a variety of tutorials in different math topics

Khan Academy Probability and Statistics - Click this link to navigate directly to Statistics tutorials

Other Sophia Tips

Complete all Challenges and Milestones in a unit before moving on. The content builds on itself!

Use the tutorial videos and supplement these with other forms of support

Ryan Backman is one of the preferred video instructors for thorough and clear explanations of the formulas and key concepts

Print the PDF version of the tutorials to create a pen-and-paper study guide

Read on for information on accessing one-on-one tutoring for Intro to Statistics!

Tutoring

You have access to up to 10 hours of tutoring through Sophia for your Statistics class.

To start:

Click on ask a tutor on the upper right corner of your screen.

Choose drop in (if a tutor is available), schedule a future session (in 30 minutes increments), or ask a question

Connect to the online whiteboard and/or video chat (not required) to communicate with the tutor

Pro Tips:

Come prepared with specific questions/difficulties - the tutor doesnt have access to your course so be prepared to share the specifics.

Plan ahead: you might not be able to talk to a tutor right away and will have to book a session 24 hours in advance minimum.

You will likely have a different tutor each time, plan your questions accordingly.

The tutoring works on every device, but use a computer if possible so you can refer back to your course more easily.

If you fail a milestone, we suggest getting a tutoring session before you retake it.

For some of our programs, you may be required to complete our free college readiness assessment, which is composed of two timed tests: one in English and one in math. To learn more about how to access the assessment, please review the attached document!

Introduction:

Once you are registered and have entered your test access codes, you have to select the test name in blue from your dashboard. If you see any tests other than the two Guild exams, then your account is associated with another school, and you should register with an alternate email address.

Technical Troubleshooting:

If you receive the following message then you most likely already have an account: Please verify that you have correctly entered your Student ID. If this problem persists, please see your proctor. If this occurs, instead of registering, please log in using the login information that was sent via email. Otherwise, be sure you are entering your Student ID correctly. Be sure to check your email for your login information.

If you experience any other technical issues, you can email us at [email protected], or call the McCanns support line and theyll be able to assist: 1-877-614-6105

Next Steps:

Once you complete your assessment, we will automatically receive your results and will review your application. Youwon'tbe able to see your scores, but your coach will reach out to help find the program thats the best fit for you and help with your next steps.

How Do I Order My Transcripts?

If your Guild application requires transcripts, then you will have the option to request your transcripts directly in the application through a third-party service called Parchment. Note that not all schools are available through Parchment to request transcripts. If you're not able to find the name of your school in the list, then you will not be able to order through Parchment. You will then need to request your transcripts directly through your previous school instead. To learn more about what transcripts you need and how to submit them, click here !

When requesting transcripts, a good place to start is the website of the last school that you attended. Theres a good chance that youll be able to print unofficial transcripts and order official transcripts on the student services or alumni page.

What If I Owe Money?

The most common reason that peoplecan'tget their transcripts is that they owe money to a previous school. When you owe money, the school puts a hold on your transcripts so that youcan'tget them until you start paying the debt back.

In most cases, youll be dealing with a collections agency rather than the school. While you typicallydon'tneed to pay the full amount back in order to have the hold removed, you will need to talk to the agency and start making payments.

Note that schools typically only hold official transcripts. Your school should still be able to provide you with unofficial transcripts (sometimes called "degree audits" or "grade reports") even if you have a hold on your account.

What If My School Closed?

In the event that your school no longer exists, youll need to request your transcripts from the Department of Education in the state where you attended school. The US Department of Education has a searchable list by state that you can access here.

Where Do I Get My High School Transcripts?

If youcan'tfind any information on transcripts online, go ahead and pick up the phone! You can usually request your transcripts from your schools registrar, student services, or student counseling office. If youre not sure who to contact, call your schools main information line.

If the last school you attended doesnt have access to your records,they'relikely stored at your local school district office or with the county board of education. Depending on your school district, you may be able to request your transcripts online, over the phone, or through the mail. You can search for your school district at the National Center for Education Statistics website.

Stillcan'tfind your transcripts? If its been a while since you attended school, your school has closed down, or you were homeschooled, you may need to contact your states Department of Education to request your transcripts.

For students in California who have passed theCalifornia High School Proficiency Examination, you can request transcripts by clicking here.

Note that if you are applying to a university that is NOT in Florida, and have more than 12 college credits, you don't need to provide your high school transcripts as part of your university application. You can just upload your college transcripts instead. Otherwise, we would require them.

Where Do I Request GED Transcripts?

If you passed any GED exams or completed the certificate, you can request your GED transcripts by clicking here.

Where Do I Get My College Transcripts?

The process of getting high school and college transcripts is very similar. Start off by checking your schools website theres often information about where to find your unofficial transcripts or order your official transcripts on the alumni or student services page.

If that doesnt work, pick up the phone and call the schools office! Theyll be more than happy to direct you to the right place.

What If I Attended A Trade School?

If you attended a vocational or trade school, then you will also need to provide transcripts from your time there. This process will likely be the same as requesting college transcripts. Keep in mind that even if you attended a trade school, you will still need to provide high school transcripts.

Where Do I Request Sophia Transcripts For My College Start Program?

To request your unofficial transcripts through Sophia, log into yourSophia portal and click "Course Transcript (Unofficial)" on your most recent course. If you're applying to a Guild program, you can upload your unofficial transcripts directly into your application. (Note: Sophia is not listed as a school name in the application, so just select "Other" as the school name).

If you attended the Guild College Start program and need to order your official transcripts from Sophia, you can reach out to your SSA (Student Success Advisor). They will contact Sophia for you and request that your official transcripts be sent directly to the university youre applying to.

How to Get Transcripts If You Were Homeschooled

Each state has its own requirements for homeschooling, therefore, the answer to this question will vary from case to case.

If your homeschooling program is recognized by the state, you should be able to get ahold of your transcripts relatively easily. Youll need to reach out to whoever gave your parents permission or accreditation to homeschool this could be someone from the local school district, Board of Education, or even the local school superintendent.

If your homeschooling programisn'trecognized by the state, youwon'thave transcripts. In this case, youll need a high school diploma or GED to move forward. Check out our high school completion option by clicking here !

For the most part, all of our programs are fully online. The programs selected for our network were specifically selected because of their flexibility and fit for working adults.

Certain employers and colleges do offer on-campus options, which will be listed in the program's description. If you have questions about whether or not the program youre interested in offers on-campus courses, we encourage you to speak with one of our expert Education Coaches. To do so, please select the Contact a Coach option on our website.

Ifyou'veever taken courses outside of the US, chances are youll need to tackle a few extra steps to make sure your coursework can be recognized back in the states. To help this process go as smoothly as possible, weve compiled a list of common requirements. All you really need to get started are your official transcripts and your schools specific application requirements.

Heres a quick breakdown of the three steps you may (or may not) need to complete. Make sure to double check your programs requirements before you begin by scheduling time with an Education Coach not all students need to complete all three steps!

1) Obtaining Transcripts

Contact your Education Coach before requesting documents to determine what exactly you can use to complete a translation and evaluation. Every school has different requirements, and having a conversation with a coach first can save you time and money. If you have any records that are still sealed and in the envelope, do not open them! Your Education Coach will be able to help you to determine what additional records, if any, are needed for the school and/or the evaluator and translator.

2) Translation

If your transcriptsaren'talready in English, you will have to get them translated. Ifyou'vealready had your transcripts translated, go ahead and send them to your Education Coach so that they can confirm these are your most up-to-date transcripts, and that the translation is certified.

You should get recommendations for certified translators through evaluation services like NACES or your Education Coach. If you need to have your transcripts translated and evaluated, make sure to get them translated first.

3) Evaluation

A transcript evaluation tells your school how the credits you earned abroad correspond to US credits. This is important because three credits from a school in, say, New Zealand might not be equal to three credits in the US.

While there are plenty of transcript evaluation services, youll want to check with your Education Coach before choosing one. Some schools will require you to use a specific service such as a NACES partner, or even have your transcripts evaluated in-house.

Tip: If you ever have questions or are in doubt of your next steps, contact your Guild Education Coach!

If you have difficulty reading the information in your course, for any reason, there are applications to support you. Similarly, if you need assistance typing out essays or other assignments, there are applications to support you with that too. Whether you need to have text read aloud to you, or you need to have your words dictated into a typed format, you have options!

If you need text to be read out loud to you:

Read Aloud (Google Chrome extension)

Speechify

Natural Readers (this also has a place to edit text, with an option to see font in a more dyslexia-friendly format)

If you need to type using your voice:

Directions for using Googles Voice Typing

Speechnotes

Dictation

If you want an easier way to read and focus on the words/text:

Mercury Reader (Google Chrome extension to eliminate distractions)

Spreeder (helps you to speed-read)

Readsy (helps you focus on one word at a time)

Article written by Raechel Burdette, Student Success Advisor

If youre experiencing technical issues on our website, here are a few troubleshooting tips you can try:

Try using a different web browser. We recommend Google Chrome. Its important to make sure that your browser is fully updated and that you have a strong internet connection.

Try again on a different device.

If you're using the internet at your workplace, try again using your personal internet instead. Your employer may have firewalls set up which could cause technical issues.

Try logging out of your account, clearing your browser's cache and cookies, and then logging in again.

If you're uploading something, try it in a different file format such as a PDF, JPG, or PNG. You can find out how to change your file format by clicking here. We also recommend uploading documents on a computer, not on a phone.

If youre still having trouble, please reach out with a picture or screenshot of the error that youre experiencing, and we can further assist!

Since our programs are fully online, you should have access to high-speed internet and ideally a newer computer that can support updated browsers, etc. (Note:Some programs do not work well in Internet Explorer).

You should be able to use a fairly basic computer, depending on which program you're interested in. Some programs require more advanced technology, which will be listed in the course description.

University programs require proctored examsand sometimes require videos for orientations or assignments, which means that you will need a webcam on your computer.

We do work with a partner, EveryoneOn, who offers newer computers and high-speed internet at a discounted price, so we recommend that you sign up to see whats available. Click here to learn more!

Throughout your time with Guild Education, youll have a team of experts to support you in applying for a program and starting your classes. Read on to learn more about the people youll be in contact with along the way!

When first applying to a program...

An Education Coach will contact you to help you navigate your benefits and begin the application process. Your Education Coach will reach out shortly after you fill out an interest form, start an application, or become eligible for your benefits.

Education Coaches will typically reach out to you via call, text, or email. They are there as a resource for you and will help you as you select a program and begin the application process. If your coach can't get a hold of you via phone, then they will leave a message, so be sure that your voicemail is set up on your phone!

To learn more about the role of an Education Coach, click here !

To finalize your application...

Depending on the program you're applying to, you may or may not speak with an Enrollment Advisor after working with an Education Coach.

If you applied to a non-university program:You will not speak with an Enrollment Advisor and will instead move forward to your Student Success Advisor.

If you applied to a university program: There are several steps that you need to take to pursue full acceptance at the university. Our team of Enrollment Advisors will assist you with those steps.

After you speak with an Education Coach and submit your university application on the Guild website, a Guild Enrollment Advisor will reach out and help you complete final enrollment at the university.

To learn more about Enrollment Advisors, click here !

Once accepted into your program...

Upon official acceptance into your program, your Student Success Advisor (SSA) will be your final point of contact and your coach throughout your entire program.

Your SSA will reach out to you via email to introduce themselves and outline your next steps, which include a mandatory orientation session and scheduling a Kick-Off Call.Make sure to check your email frequently for communication from your SSA, and always double-check your junk/spam folders in case our emails accidentally end up there. Your SSA will be in contact throughout the duration of your program via phone call, email, or text message.

To learn more about the Student Success Advisor role, click here !

Article written byKatie Piscopio,Education Coach

Guild Education works with Penn Foster High School to offer an online High School Completion Program, and it is available to eligible students who want to earn their high school diploma. Note that this is different than a GED. To learn more about the differences between the High School Completion Program and the GED, click here !

Read on to learn more about the application process for the High School Completion Program at Penn Foster:

Step 1: Complete your Guild application. This application will ask for basic overview questions including information about your academic background. You will submit this application directly on the Guild Education website.Step 2: Request your transcripts. To learn more about requesting transcripts for thePenn Foster High School Program, click here !Step 3: Stay tuned for next steps!Once your application is submitted, we will review it and confirm if we need any additional materials from you. If your application is approved to move forward, your Student Success Advisor will reach out to assist with your next steps.

Article written by Katie Piscopio, Education Coach

When working with Guild, you may hear certain terms such as High School Completion Program and GED and not know the differences between them. You can find the definitions below!

High School Completion Program: Guild Education works with Penn Foster High School to offer an online high school completion program. With this program, you would earn a high school diploma. You can take courses in different subjects, and potentially transfer in previous credits. You can learn more and apply to the program by clicking here.

GED: GED stands for General Education Development or General Education Diploma. It provides a high school equivalency diplomaand is made up of tests in four different subjects. At this time, Guild does not offer a GED program.

If youre interested in learning more about the programs available and how to apply, you can request more information by selecting the Contact a Coach option on our website.

Throughout your time working with Guild, you may hear certain terms such as "Career Diplomas, Certifications, Licences, and Apprenticeships" and not know the differences. For your reference, here is an overview and description of these terms!

What is a career diploma?

A career diploma is a diploma that you can earn for completing a post-secondary ("after high school"), vocational, or technical training program. They are not the same as a college degree, such as an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree, because they offer a very specific education that will support you with obtaining job opportunities and advancement.

In some cases, completing a career diploma could be a formal requirement for employment or professional licensure. A career diploma can also be a way to demonstrate professional skills. Sometimes a career diploma is also referred to as a "certificate of completion" or a "certificate of achievement."

Typically, a career diploma is shorter in length than a degree program. They can often take one or two years to complete, but some may only take weeks to complete. Career diplomas are also often structured so that you can continue working while completing them.

What is certification?

A certification is an award that you earn that will show you have a specific set of skills or knowledge in a given occupation, industry, trade, or technology. Earning certifications can help you qualify for jobs and can be an item that potential employers look for on a resume. Some employers will require that a potential candidate be certified in their field or for a specific skill. Some certifications will require that you pass an exam.

The advantage of obtaining a certification is that it shows potential employers that you are committed to your profession and are well-trained. This, in turn, will give you confidence in your abilities because it proves that your skills have been evaluated and approved by a well-regarded professional organization.

Certificates are usually earned through a professional organization that is well known, a non-profit, a third party that is respected in the industry, or through a college.

What is a license?

For some jobs and occupations, it is required that you earn a license. A license is required to ensure that only competent, ethical individuals practice in a specific occupation. A license is usually obtained through a government agency, and it is required that the professional complete specific steps and hours of training under the supervision of another licensed professional. Examples of occupations licensed in many states include teachers, land surveyors, doctors, lawyers, cosmetologists, nurses, building contractors, counselors, therapists, and electricians.

Once the professional has logged a specific amount of time and completed the required exams, they can then be authorized (usually by the state) to practice in their field. With occupations that require licensure, you cannot legally work in your field unless you have obtained licensure.

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship consists of formal, daily, paid, on-the-job training paired with classroom learning, and can also lead to eventual certification or licensure in a specific trade or occupation. One of the major advantages of an apprenticeship is that you can "earn as you learn" with like-minded individuals and leaders that will support your growth in a given profession or skilled trade.

Article written byRoberta Ayala, Student Success Advisor

The Student Success Advisor (SSA) team is made up of experts who specialize in supporting students in your program and know what it takes to go to school while working. Consider your SSA to be a coach, a friend, a confidant, and a cheerleader who will be with you from your first class through your last. In addition to answering most of your questions, they can help you track down the resources and solutions you need to be successful. Your SSA doesnt report to your employer or your school -they'rehere to help you make decisions that are in your best interest.

How do I meet my SSA?

Check your email. Afteryou'vebeen accepted into your program, your SSA will reach out to you via email to introduce themselves and outline next steps including how to attend a mandatory orientation session. Get into the habit of checking your email regularly -- you will be getting messages from your SSA and learning provider throughout the duration of your program.

Schedule a call. Your SSA will ask you to schedule a Kick-Off Call, either in their initial email or in a subsequent one. This is a chance for you both to get to know one another, discuss details and questions about the program, and set expectations and goals.

What happens after I start classes?

Check in regularly. Once you start your classes, your SSA will want to hear from you regularly, whether its by phone call, email, or text message. Even if all is going well and youdon'thave any questions or concerns, touching base with your SSA consistently is important.

Be honest. Your SSA can only help you if they know whats going on in your world. Be sure to be honest if you are struggling in order to maximize your opportunities for collaborative problem-solving and strategizing.

Stay on top of deadlines. Your SSA will know your programs deadlines and requirements and will check in on your progress, however, its important that you are able to manage your time and obligations. Your SSA will do everything they can to help you succeed, but theycan'tcare more than you do.

What happens after I finish classes?

Discuss Re-Enrollment. There may be steps you need to take to re-enroll in your current program, depending on term length. Your SSA will help you navigate everything from completing financial paperwork to registering for classes.

Think Big! As you approach graduation, your SSA will want to know what is on the horizon for you. Work together to map out what is next in your education journey or career path!

What can my SSA help me with?

Finding academic resources and tutoring opportunities

Navigating your online portal(s)

Understanding deadlines and assignment requirements

Developing note-taking tips and studying strategies

Here at Guild Education, we have a team of expert Education Coaches who can help you to apply to a program.Education Coaches can help you with:

Understanding your goals

Finding an education program that suits you and your goals

Understanding your employers education benefits

Navigating the Guild application process

If you have questions about any of the above topics and would like to set up a time to talk with an Education Coach, you can do so by clicking here !

As part of the enrollment process, students will need to fill out a Student Acceptance Agreement. Here are some common questions and answers about that agreement:

What is the Student Acceptance Agreement?

The Student Acceptance Agreement is basically an agreement to adhere to your employers and educational institutions policies. It states information about where your tuition benefit funds are coming from and potential tax implications. Its also to ensure that youre participating in your program and staying in touch with your Student Success Advisor.

How will I receive the agreement?

Once you submit your application and its been pre-approved to move forward, you will automatically receive an email with the agreement. Please fill this out as soon as possible. If you're having trouble finding it, try double-checking your junk or spam folders.

Do I need to sign the agreement more than once?

You will only need to sign this form once while working with Guild. If you accidentally fill it out for the wrong program, or if you pursue multiple programs in a row, then you will only need to sign it once. However, we still encourage you to review your employers and academic institutions requirements for each specific program that you enroll in.

If you still have questions, reach out by selecting Contact a Coach on our website and were happy to assist!

If you have submitted multiple applications, our internal Application Review Committee will take a look at your applications and make sure that you meet the program requirements. Different schools have different requirements (number of previous credits, GPA, pre-requisite courses, etc.), and that is what our Application Review Committee looks for.

If you have multiple applications that have been approved by the Review Committee to move forward, then you will be hearing from multiple Enrollment Advisors (EA's). Each university has a team of Enrollment Advisors who specialize in that universitys application process. The process is unique at each school so it is important that you communicate with each one of your EAs. We are all here to help you find the best program fit for you!

For some universities, Guild will send your application directly to the university on your behalf. For others, you will need to submit a second application. Each school has varying requirements (official transcripts, exam scores, letters of recommendation, etc.).

After you have completed all of the next steps with each school, the timeline varies on when you will receive an Admissions Decision. While you are awaiting a decision, some schools may require additional documentation. Be sure to pay attention to emails from your potential universities, as well as all of your Enrollment Advisors, to make sure that you are on the right track!

Once you have your admittance decision(s), it is time to take the next step! If you are deciding between multiple schools, this is a great time to schedule a phone call on your EAs calendar (their calendar link will be in their introduction email and email signature). We would love to help support you in making this big decision!

Once you have decided on which university you will be attending, continue to communicate with that university's EA. If you decide to not move forward with certain programs, please let the EAs from those schools know so that we can close your file and you will stop receiving our emails. Best of luck on your new adventure!

Article written by Kelsey McClung, Enrollment Advisor

If you need help troubleshooting technical issues, headset issues, etc., you can reach out to Rosetta Stone's Product Support in the following ways:

Connect via email to Product Support: [email protected]

Connect with an English Live Chat 24/7 Support representative by clicking here.

Connect via phone at 877-223-9848 and follow these specific prompts (on the phone, select 2 for Product Support and then select 1 for learner). Please be sure to tell the agent that you are a learner at a corporation so that youre directed to the right support team.

Additionally, you can visit the Support Page for Rosetta Stone Catalyst and access a wealth of resources using this link.

Note: You can change the interface language of the support page by clicking on the arrow next to English in the upper right-hand portion of your screen.

For Translation Services

For General Translation Services using the main Product Support phone number, please follow the prompts below. You will be connected with a Product Support representative and a translation services assistant.

Call 1-877-223-9848 and follow the prompts:

Press 2 for technical support

Press 1 if you're a learner that needs tech support

Then you are transferred to another menu:

Press 8 for other languages than English

Press 6 for other languages

Then it connects to the translation service to find a speaker in the language of your need. Translation Services connects with an English Merlin agent and all three of you will converse through the interpreter.

If you're applying to the High School Completion Program at Penn Foster, then you will be required to submit transcripts as part of the application process. Here are the steps and FAQs for doing so!

What Are Transcripts?

A transcript is basically a list of the classes you completed in high school. There are two types of transcripts:

Unofficial Transcriptswill need to be submitted directly in the Guild application.

Usually a digital copy (email, text, image)

Sometimes a paper copy that has been opened

If your school name is listed within the Guild application, then you can order these transcripts directly in the application through a third-party service called Parchment.Otherwise, you would need to order these separately and upload them directly into your application.

Official Transcripts will be sent directly to Penn Foster onceyou'vebeen admitted to the program.

Usually in a sealed envelope

Sometimes a digital copy from a transcript service

Used to transfer in credits from previous high school experience

If your school name is listed within the Guild application, then you can order these transcripts directly in the application through a third-party service called Parchment. Otherwise, you would need to order these separately and send them directly to Penn Foster.

Note that you will need to get transcripts from ALL high schools you've previously attended, oraccess your GED scores ifyou'veever passed any tests.

When and Where to Send Official Transcripts

When:

After you have submitted your application and after you havebeen accepted into the program, you should send your official transcripts ASAP (if you have not done so already).

You can also submit them sometime before your start date or as you begin in the Penn Foster program. The sooner you send them, though, the better.

You will get an email from Penn Foster when they receive your transcripts.

Where:

If you're not able to order your transcripts through the Guild application, then you will need to call your previous high school and request that they send an Official Transcript in a sealed envelope directly to Penn Foster.

If your high school subscribes to Parchment, you can order your transcript online. For both options, send to this address:

ATTN: GUILDHigh School Transcript Center929 Oak St.Scranton, PA 18515

If your school sends your official transcript directly to you*, put the sealed envelope in another blank envelope and send it to the same address listed above.

*Dont open the envelope with your official transcript inside! Once you open the envelope, it becomes an unofficial transcript.

If your school is being unresponsive, please reach out to your Student Success Advisor, and they can provide you with an Official Transcript Request Form.

How Are Transcripts Evaluated?

Once Penn Foster receives your transcripts, they will compare the classes you completed in high school with their own curriculum. Often, full-credit classes that you have passed and that match will be awarded as transfer credits. This ensures that you won't have to re-take any courses that you already have taken in high school. No transfer credit will be awarded until official transcripts have been received and evaluated by Penn Foster.

Other Things to Know About Transcripts

If you are not interested in transferring credits or have taken the SmarterMeasure exam, you do not need to submit an official transcript.

Not having an official transcript in won't stop you from starting the program on your start date.

Penn Foster allows up to 16 credits to be transferred in. The Penn Foster program requires 21.5 credits total to receive your diploma.

The first three courses in Penn Foster can't be transferred in. This gives you extra time to get your official transcript submitted.

Still Cant Find Your Transcripts?

If its been a while since you attended school, your school has closed down, or you were homeschooled, you may need to contact your states Department of Education to request your transcripts.

For students in California who have passed the California High School Proficiency Examination, you can request transcripts by clicking here.

If you attended high school outside of the U.S. and your transcripts are in a language other than English, you will need to have them translated before submitting them to Penn Foster. To learn how to do so, we'd recommend connecting with a Guild coach first.

The process for evaluating transcripts takes about 2-3 weeks. After you have received confirmation that Penn Foster has your official transcript, you can either reach out to your Student Success Advisor or call the Guild/Penn Foster Support Line at 1-800-840-0457 to find out which credits have transferred.

Article written by Dani Turnbull and Katie Kottemann, Student Success Advisors

If you are currently attending school and your employer recently announced a tuition assistance program, you likely fall into one of two categories:

You are currently attending a school or program that is partnered with Guild and eligible for tuition assistance. This is referred to as in-network.

You are currently attending a school or program that is not partnered with Guild or is not currently eligible for tuition assistance. This is referred to as out-of-network.

Each employer will have specific programs and universities that are eligible for tuition assistance. To determine if your current program is eligible for tuition assistance, check your employers benefits.

If you are already enrolled in an eligible university or academic program, you will need to sign up through Guild in order to use your companys tuition assistance. To do this, request to contact a coach. Well follow up and review a few simple steps with you to get the process started.

If you are currently enrolled in a program that your employer does not cover, and you would like to transfer to a qualifying program, follow this link to learn how to transfer to an in-network program.

Which types of degrees can I pursue at a university?

There are 3 main types of degrees you can pursue:

Associate's (~2 years or 60 credits)

Bachelors (~4 years or 120-130 credits)

Masters (~2 years and 35-55 credits)

As a freshman, you can enroll in an Associate's degree or a Bachelors. For a Masters degree, though, you are required to have already graduated with a Bachelors degree.

The Associate's degree includes around 60 credits and covers General Education classes such as English, Math, or Science.

The Bachelors degree includes around 60 credits in General Education, and 60-70 credits divided between core requirements (such as business classes for a Business degree) and electives/specialized credits.

Can I pick the classes that I want?

Every degree has different requirements for the classes that you need to take in order to graduate, and your university can provide you with a list of these classes.

You typically don't have to take your classes in a particular order. However, some classes have prerequisites, which means that you will have to take your lower-level courses before you'll be allowed to register for higher-level classes. This ensures that you have the knowledge necessary to understand and pass higher level-classes.

The information on class levels and whether a particular class requires prerequisites can be found in the class catalog of the university. Dont hesitate to reach out to your advisor if you need assistance with this.

How long does a class take?

The length of a class depends on the length of the term at each university. For Guilds partner universities, terms usually span between 8-12 weeks.

Most classes will require a workload of 10-15 hours per week per class. Most classes will also require you to complete assignments with predetermined deadlines (usually weekly or biweekly assignments). The deadlines for the assignments of a specific class will be included in the syllabus of that class.

What is the add/drop period?

The add/drop period is a period of time at the beginning of the class (usually about a week) when you can choose to drop your class without penalty. This typically happens if you register for too many classes at once and realize once you start that the workload will be too much for you.

After the add/drop period has passed, you will not be able to withdraw from a class. If youdon'tcomplete your assignments on time, then you will most likely fail the class.

What is a College GPA?

GPA stands for "Grade Point Average." It is the average of your grades for all the classes you have taken. The GPA is on a scale from 0 to 4.0 (4.0 being A+). It is calculated by adding together your final grades for each of your classes and dividing them by the number of classes you've taken total. Note that the college GPA is different than the GPA you got in high school; it includes only college classes.

What are the resources available to me?

There are a number of resources available to help you navigate a university program.

Academic Advisor: An academic advisor is a counselor at the university that helps students choose their course of study and ensures that they take all of the classes necessary to graduate.

Financial Aid Office: This office helps you navigate your financial aid and answers questions about the FAFSA, grants, scholarships, and loans.

Instructor: An instructor is a professor who organizes and teaches the class. If you have questions about the content of a class, contact your instructor. Instructors often have assistant instructors to help them communicate with all of the students.

Accommodations Office: If you have a physical or learning disability, contact this office to inquire about the accommodations that are available to support you.

Article written byAmelie Hubert, Student Success Advisor

If you have not already applied for your veteran education benefits, please do so! Your college of choice does not automatically charge the VA, so you must apply either online by clicking this link, or in person via your local VA representative. More information on the application process can be found here.

It takes up to 8 weeks to receive your certificate of eligibility (COE) via mail. When signing up, please provide an address that will be easiest for you to check at the time. The university will need your COE in order to charge the VA for tuition.

If you qualify for more than one version of the GI Bill (Montgomery and Post 9/11 for example), you will need to select which benefit you want to use at the time of application. This decision is irrevocable.

Post 9/11 benefits pay tuition (max of $22,500 per year) to the educational institution, and a housing allowance (MHA) and book stipend directly to the account you provide upon application. This amount is paid proportionately to eligible percentage and number of days enrolled.

The current full-time MHA rate for online enrollment is $846.50 per month with up to $1,000 annually for book/supply stipend.

Print or save a copy of your confirmation upon application completion. This reference number can be used to check on status or sent to school as a placeholder for your COE, if applicable.

For any other questions regarding VA education benefits, please contact the representatives at 1-888-442-4551.

If you believe you should be eligible for your employer's benefits but your file is marked as ineligible oryou are not able to fill out an application, it may be due to a few reasons. Here are some troubleshooting tips:

Review your employers policy

To confirm that you are actually eligible for your employers benefit, please review your employers policy to ensure that you meet all of the eligibility requirements.

Wait a few days to see if your file updates

If you just created an account, then its possible that your file has not been updated yet. Please wait 24-48 hours and check back again after that time.

If youre still showing as ineligible when you believe you should be eligible, you can reach out to us to help troubleshoot. You can utilize this Contact a Coach form, and be sure to include your personal information, including your employee ID.

Students have many options when it comes to purchasing or renting textbooks for their university programs.

Most university partners have an online bookstore where students are able to purchase books. In addition, there are a number of third party vendors that students can use to purchase books. Many vendors offer new, used, and ebook options. Its always a great idea to explore options when purchasing textbooks to ensure that you're getting the best deal for yourself.

Note: Some universities will not require you to purchase your textbooks out-of-pocket. Some will provide book vouchers so that you can get your textbooks from their university bookstore directly. If you're uncertain about which method your university utilizes, please check with your advisor.

In order to make sure that you are purchasing the correct textbooks, students should consult their course syllabus or university website for textbook information. Make sure that youre purchasing the correct book by double-checking the title, author, edition, etc.

Below is a list of popular book vendors and their websites. Please be mindful of shipping costs and timelines as they vary by site.

Vendor: Amazon

Website: Amazon.com

Students can buy, rent, and sell textbooks and ebooks on Amazon.com. Some textbooks may also be available for Kindle, which tends to be a less expensive option. Many ebooks can also be downloaded as PDFs, which can easily be edited on the computer.

Vendor: Chegg

Website: Chegg.com

Chegg offers options to purchase or rent books. In many cases, students can access a digital copy of their book until the hard copy arrives. They have a 21-day satisfaction guarantee if you should need to return your books. Please check Cheggs refund policy for more details.

Vendor: Textbooks.com

Website: Textbooks.com

Textbooks.com offers a large selection of textbooks available to purchase or rent. Textbooks.com also offers some ebooks. Shipping is free on purchases over $25. Students can also sell their textbooks on this site.

Vendor: Campus Book Rentals

Website: CampusBookRentals.com

Campus Book Rentals offers textbook rentals. Students are able to highlight/markup their books, even on rentals. Students must be sure to return books by the due date, or they will be charged the replacement value for the text. Students also have the option to purchase the book instead of returning the rental.

Vendor: Goodwill

Website: Goodwillbooks.com

Goodwill offers a limited selection of books but at very competitive pricing.

Vendor: Valore Books

Website: Valorebooks.com

Students have the option to rent, buy, and sell textbooks on this site. There are new and used textbook options.

Vendor: Multiple

Website: Cheapesttextbooks.com

CheapestTextbooks.com is a search engine where you can compare options from popular sites.

Vendor: Multiple

Website: Bookfinder.com

BookFinder.com is also a search engine that will help you compare options across multiple vendors.

Vendor: Multiple

Website: Bigwords.com

BigWords.com is another search engine that lets you compare costs across multiple vendors. They consider total cost by factoring in shipping costs, promotional discounts, and the base price of the book, making it easy to compare options.

Article written by Shelly Burkey, Student Success Advisor

While working with Guild, you may need to schedule a call with an Education Coach, Student Success Advisor, or other Guild support staff, and you may hear the term "time zone." The term "time zone" typically refers to thelocal time of a region or a country.

For your reference, here is a useful Map of United States Time Zones. You can also use this handy Time Zone Converter to determine what time it is for us, in comparison to what time it is for you.

Note that the Guild Education office is located in Denver, Colorado, which is on Mountain Standard Time (or MST).

Article written by Raechel Burdette, Student Success Advisor

It can sometimes be difficult to understand how your employer pays for your education with little or no cost to you. Here are a few frequently asked questions that should help explain the tax implications of education benefits provided by an employer under a Section 127 educational assistance program.

Q: What is the federal limit an employer can pay towards your education without there being tax implications?

A: According to the IRS, an employee can exclude from gross income up to $5,250 annually in employer-provided educational assistance benefits. Qualifying educational assistance payments include tuition, fees, and similar expenses, books, supplies, and equipment. Your employer might offer more or less than $5,250 if they offer more, continue reading!

Q: What happens if I receive more than $5,250 in educational benefits in a year?

A: If your total tuition and other educational benefits exceed this amount within the year, the excess is generally considered additional taxable wages, subject to the same tax withholding and other rules applicable to wage income.

Q: What is a tax gross-up and how would it affect the taxation of educational benefits in excess of $5,250?

A: In some cases, an employer might offer its employees a tax gross-up, which is an additional salary payment that results in the employee receiving the same net pay as if taxes had not been withheld on the excess funds beyond the $5,250 for your educational benefits.

These are just general tax rules and principles and may vary depending on your own individual financial and tax situation. Your best bet is to speak with a tax professional who can help you understand (in dollars and cents) what this might mean for you so that you can best plan and prepare for it!

To learn more about Section 127 educational assistance programs and the tax consequences of education benefits generally, you can visit the IRS website on Tax Benefits for Education. You can also contact your companys payroll department.

If you would like more information on your companys policy, feel free to Contact A Coach so that we can get you connected with the right team!

For articles and resources on going back to school, feel free to explore Guild Education's blog for students! You can access the blog by clicking here.