Saturday, January 17, 2009

Have you thought about going to college??

If you had told me a couple of weeks ago that I would be thinking about going back to school, I'd have told you NO WAY!! But....I'm a pretty smart cookie, and although I love staying at home, I don't want my brain to turn to mush. And you just never know what's coming around the corner in life. Right now I have the luxury of staying home, and I love it!! But if I wanted to, or needed to go back to work I don't think I'd be very "marketable".


So while I was flipping through channels the other day (why is it I have hundreds of channels on cable and there's STILL nothing on???), I saw a commercial offering a free 5 credit class online. I'm no fool and know there's nothing "free", ever! But I was intrigued enough to check out the website. So I went to http://www.freecollegetest.com/ . It was only a 20 question test, and like an SAT, had English and math questions. So you take the test, and someone will call you with the results. I took the test on Thursday night, and got a phone call on Friday morning. I got an A!!! Yay me, who hasn't been in school in 25 years!! Yeah, I'm old as dirt, but I've still got it!

It turns out this is a pilot program with Kaplan University. And yes, it's really free! If you are selected you will pick a class, and the tuition and books are free and would have cost you $1,800.00 otherwise! Why are they giving away free college classes?? They want to be sure you are the kind of person you can take online classes. Some people do fine, some do better in a traditional classroom setting. It looks really bad when students go to a school, and either flunk or drop out and new Federal funding for schools is really looking closer at these numbers. So Kaplan decided to do something revolutionary! Give students a chance to see IF school is for them, and IF doing so online is a right fit. No strings, no further commitment. Believe me, I talked this guy's head off and asked a million questions!!! And then called back several times later when I had MORE questions!!!

I have one more interview on Monday morning, but it's looking like my chances are excellent for being accepted! I am beyond excited!!!! So all I can tell you is that you have nothing to lose and this is a wonderful opportunity!! Check it out and see for yourself!

22 comments:

Unknown said...

man am i glad hubby does not have access to your blog. he's been on my butt to go back to school for years. I am the same as you blessed to be able to stay home but you know army you never know what might happen.

Grand Pooba said...

Good for you! So far you are an A student! Good job on the test :) On I think you can totally do this. Go for it!

Heatherlyn said...

Well, I think that going to college is fun. I got all my schooling done. I suppose I could be very marketable. And STILL think it would be WAY more fun to go back to school than to actually WORK out there in the real world! I hope this works out for you. It sounds like a BLAST!

Mama Wheaton said...

I just finished my first semester of college and I go back Tuesday for the next round. I love it!

Cassie said...

I'm so excited for you! Not just because it is about schooling, but because YOU are excited about it! It feels good to be excited about something, no matter what it is (it's like medicine for the soul). I'm really happy for you.

That is the biggest regret in my life...no proper formal education beyond high school (and the few medical classes that I took). What kind of class are you wanting to take? What field are you hoping to learn more about?

Eve said...

Woo-hoo... good luck!!!
A little extra learnun never hurt nobody. Uh wait, I mean...
Hmm, maybe I should look into taking a course or two myself ;)

Anonymous said...

I'll be anxious to hear/read more about this from you as I just saw one of Kaplan's TV commercials and was intrigued. I think we're close to the same age and going back to school has always been in the back of my mind. I do have a bachelor's degree from 18 years ago but have been out of the mainstream workforce for a while (working for family businesses, etc.).

Anonymous said...

Hey that's awesome! As a teacher, I love hearing about anyone going to school :)

In response to your comment on my blog re; pampered chef. I LOVE pampered chef. My sister sells it, so I own about 90% of the catalogue :)

Great stuff!!

Sandra said...

I have been a Director for Pampered Chef for 9 years... girl!!!

Sandy said...

Yay! Good for you Jeannie:)

Amarie said...

That is a GREAT idea and smart thinking! I hope everything works out for you :-).

Young Momma said...

Good luck! I hope you get accepted! Do you know what you want to go for or what you'll do after the first free class?? I just started school again this year myself! I'm only taking one class this quarter - just to help ease myself in, but I'm in class doing it. I don't know how well I'd do with online classes. Unless I did some online and some in class, maybe. :) Anyway, I'm rambling! Good luck! I look forward to hearing more!

Anonymous said...

Cool! That's so exciting!!

I need to go back to school too...I've got a case of the mush brain as well!

Sandra said...

I have by bachelors in English... I have always wanted to go to Law School.
I love to argue...

My mother says I missed my calling.

Melodie said...

Wow, that sounds pretty cool!

LadyStyx said...

Hmmm...interesting. Very very interesting. Keep us updated on this.

Lilly said...

I think it is fabulous. Do it! You never know what is around the corner, ever. I think it is wonderfull!

Vickie said...

How exciting!!So cool that it is free.
Good luck and you are going to do great!

Mary said...

Yea!!!! AND, hopefully the military's CAA pilot program will start being offered at every military instillation. That way if there is a career field that interests you, they may be able to pay for it...it has been a life saver this past year!

ChicagoLady said...

Yes, I've wanted to go back to school for years, but I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. What class are you thinking about taking at Kaplan? I too saw a commercial for Kaplan recently. At first I thought it was for Phoenix University, which is huge with online classes, but was surprised to see it was for Kaplan.

Anonymous said...

Hi my name is Jeannie, spelled the same way.

Congrats on school! Future Scholors rocks and you made the right choice.

Jeannie

Anonymous said...

Congrats Jeannie,

You should be so proud!!! Remember, just like life take this college experience one step at a time. You'll do great.

Miss Linda