Posted by Nicole Acosta on December 1st, 2008
I decided to return to college this last august. Upon my decision I spoke to several friends/family who would know about what I was doing. One in particular friend decided to take a shot at going back to college as well when she had heard I was taking courses online rather then in class. She has a wonderful job she has been employed there for several years and a great career. The reasoning for her to go was to have a goal, compelete it and have an accomplishment she would be proud of, a degree.
Recently several things have begun to surface in her life that has cause her much grief and frustration. She has always been a strong individual in my eyes, but seeing her this way has made it difficult for me to understand how a person can let so many things destroy her as a independent person. She’s tried to stay caught up with her online courses, which has actually kept her life pretty simple. Communication between her and her professors is constant. She’s able to deal with her difficulties and continue on with class, because she’s not having to travel anywhere for them. I can relate to her as well as others who have struggles in life which doesn’t allow us to enter a classroom to learn.
She was so close in giving up and taking a failing grade that I about screamed on the phone to her. I told her that the drop date has passed and that if she took one assignment at a time, before she knew it she would be caught up and able to pass. Spring semester she is only taking one course online until the dust settles. I told her before letting her go on the phone after this conversation, to not give up and to just breath. I told her, ‘at least your not having to go into class and miss lecture notes on tests.’
Posted by Nicole Acosta on July 28th, 2008
I’m sure this is on everyones mind and at one point it was one mine. Some people feel that Online Universities are a scam and that once completed the degree might not apply to most jobs. Others feel that this is a great opportunity to finish college to get either their life started or get a better career. I researched and spoke with several different people regarding online college courses. The University of Phoenix helped me out a great deal in answering all my questions regarding, degrees, degree plans and how things run. The information they provided for me was exceptional. I got off the phone when a since of understanding and less fear of applying for the college. I believe this is a great way to start your college life, you can still live the life your in and attend college. So remember to ask questions, write them down so you know to ask the ones that are concerning you most.
Posted by Nicole Acosta on July 22nd, 2008
Recent events has caused me to blog about being ‘On Time’ with registration or be extra early. This July I went to register for classes for this upcoming Fall. It was a mad house; students trying to register for Summer II and Fall 2008. The adviser’s are not the friendliest of people; think about it, there they are sitting there listening to unprepared people that have no idea what courses they are wanting to take or are eligible.
I have one complaint about the way Adviser’s work. I know your tired and stressed by the over abundence of students signing up for classes, checking on test scores and asking for directions. You chose this job, and we come to YOU for aid and understanding of the program YOUR college has to offer. Don’t expect most students to know what it going on. Most students that are signing up for classes are high school graduates and have no idea what is going on; so in a way we are like toddlers learning how to walk and we are trying to get fimiliar with our steps. Don’t expect us to just get up and walk with confidence.
I find a great source of information is to ask friends who already attend the college. Go to your counselor; email your questions to the school. I receive better responses from emails, then having to deal with the staff in person. Emails are quick and to the point.
If you are applying for financial aid be sure to be at least 30-60 days out before payment is due for your classes. I’m currently battling with this at the moment. Payment IS due and my funds have not been processed through the financial aid department at the college. I applied 30 days out on the internet. Be sure that all information is correct, so as soon as you get an email from FAFSA print your documents and head to your college or phone them immediately if its a Online Only University. All corrections that need to be done, should be done immediately to avoid paying out of pocket for classes, because you do not have your funds yet.
So, work on trying to be the early bird when it comes to college. Be Prepared and Ask for Help.
Posted by Nicole Acosta on July 9th, 2008
I’ve always had a great fear in online schooling. I’m a single mother of one, with only 3 credit hours of college and 6 lined up for the Fall 2008 Semester. I did a lot of research in looking for the best online program any school had to offer. I was bombarded with someone many phone calls from different online Univeristies I was automatically turned off. I felt safe by enrolling in my local community college that offered online teaching. I looked into other schools but just didn’t feel the connection I was looking for that made me feel that if I do receive a degree from here; would an employer accept my degree?
After I enrolled in my online classes I checked out more things from a friend of mine who is enrolled in night school.  A site is called ratemyprofessor.com this gave me detials, remarks and scores of teachers from students who have taken the classes I’m enrolled. I felt more confident and safe to know that my teachers have great scores, including know more about the way the class worked. Research your school, ask questions and always make sure you feel comfortable with your choice before accepting.
Posted by Nicole Acosta on June 29th, 2008
One goal is to help yourself become aware of how you use your time
as one resource in organizing, prioritizing, and succeeding in your studies
in the context of competing activities of friends, work, family, etc.
Strategies on using time:
Develop criteria for adjusting your schedule
to meet both your academic and non-academic needs
Effective aids:
- “To Do” list
Write down things you have to do, then decide what to do at the moment, what to schedule for later, what to get someone else to do, and what to put off for a later time period
- Daily/weekly planner
Write down appointments, classes, and meetings on a chronological log book or chart.
If you are more visual, sketch out your schedule
First thing in the morning, check what’s ahead for the day
always go to sleep knowing you’re prepared for tomorrow
- Long term planner
Use a monthly chart so that you can plan ahead.
Long term planners will also serve as a reminder to constructively plan time for yourself
