INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Even if you need to stay in one city for work, there may be many schools that offer part-time MBA programs in your area. An MBA from a prestigious school may give you more opportunities, but you should carefully consider factors such as cost, distance, and time to complete the program.  Go online to the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). They maintain a list of accredited MBA programs. This list includes schools that offer part-time MBA programs and lists schools that offer part-time online programs. Reach out to the schools you’re interested in. Most schools have welcoming admissions departments that provide information sessions and one-on-one tours. Tell them you’re interested in part-time MBA programs and ask whether classes in the part-time program are scheduled in the evenings or on weekends, or both.  Talk to other students and alumni from the part-time MBA programs you’re interested in. Oftentimes, students and alumni will give you the most unbiased information about the school. This is a good opportunity to ask about how much time students spend in class and studying and what opportunities opened up for alumni after they received their MBA. Many business schools have both in-person programs and online programs. Research both types of programs and decide which one will work best for you.  Part-time online MBA programs are usually a bit cheaper and offer more flexibility. You’ll be able to watch recorded lectures from home on your own schedule instead of having to show up to class at a specific time. However, since you’ll rarely be on campus you may miss out on some of the resources the business school has to offer. Part-time in-person MBA programs require you to attend classes on a regular schedule. The classes are held in the evenings and/or on weekends to accommodate working students. Since you’ll be on campus often, you’ll have the opportunity to network with your professors and other students. However, taking the traditional path means you’ll have to spend more time away from home. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and look for other financial aid. The FAFSA is required if you want to get loans from the federal government to cover your tuition. It’s always a good idea to fill it out even if you think you won’t need it. If other funding sources fall through you may end up needing federal loans after all.  Your employer may be willing to reimburse you for tuition. This should be the first place you look for financial aid.  Every business school has resources that will help you identify funding sources. Check with each school where you plan to apply. Go online to http://www.gograd.org/financial-aid/scholarships/mba/ to find a list of scholarships available for MBA students. The GMAT is required to for admission to most MBA programs. It tests your analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and reading skill.  Consider studying for the test on your own. There are dozens of self-guided GMAT prep programs available. These programs consist of a series of books or online study guides that help you master the topics that will be on the GMAT. If you’re good at studying and learning on your own, this is your best option. Consider enrolling in a GMAT course. GMAT courses are taught by business schools professors and other professionals. They give you a more in-depth and intensive prep experience. If you learn better in a classroom atmosphere and cost is not an issue, this is your best option. Whichever study option you choose, you should set aside at least one month to study for the exam. If you can only devote a few hours to studying each week, you should spend more than a month studying for the test. Use your evenings and weekends to study for the test. This will be good practice for the study schedule you'll use as a part-time MBA student.  Register for the GMAT online at www.mba.com and pay the $250 registration fee. The test is offered in hundreds of cities around the world. Don’t forget to request the day of the test off from work. Since you’ve already talked to your boss about getting an MBA this shouldn’t be a tough sell. Most schools will ask for your GMAT score, college transcripts, work experience, a cover letter or essay, and recommendation letters.  Most schools charge an application fee. Fees range from $10 to $250 depending on the school.  If you can, get letters of recommendation from people who are affiliated with the school in some way. For example, if your boss is an alumni you should get a letter of recommendation from them.

SUMMARY: Research part-time MBA programs. Decide if you want to do a traditional program or an online program. Seek out financial aid. Take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Apply to schools.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Ask at the seafood counter whether or not the scallops being sold are wet or dry. If they're wet, they've been treated with a chemical (sodium tripolyphosphate) that helps the scallops absorb moisture. Dry scallops haven't been treated so they're fresher, easier to sear, and have a sweeter, brinier taste. Avoid wet scallops since the chemical can make it hard to sear the scallops and the chemical leaves a fishy aftertaste. If you're unable to talk with someone at the seafood counter and are purchasing pre-packaged scallops, you will still need to find out if the scallops are wet or dry. Most labels will clearly state if the scallops are wet or dry. But, if the label doesn't say, check the package for milky white liquid in the bottom. If you see this liquid and the scallops look opaque or really white, they're probably wet scallops. If you don't see any liquid and the scallops plump and clearer, they're most likely dry scallops. While some markets will remove the little flap of muscle that connects the scallop to its shell, others won't. Check over your muscles to make sure these little flaps are all removed since they can be tough. To remove the side muscle, simply pinch it and pull it away. You can throw away the side muscles or save them to make a fish stock. If you accidentally miss a side muscle, it's safe to eat. Take a paper towel and blot any excess moisture from the scallops. Season the scallops with a little salt before you're ready to start pan frying them. The salt can also help draw out extra moisture from the scallops. Try to get the scallops as dry as possible since this will help create a golden brown sear.

SUMMARY:
Select dry scallops. Determine if your scallops are wet or dry. Remove the side muscles. Blot the scallops.