Help Me Stay On-Track

[rebel100]

Strikes me that if your not looking to test out and cost isn't a big factor...then why choose EC, or any of the Big 3? Since your looking to take classes there are perhaps hundreds of schools that will have better name recognition and be competitively priced. What are your options in Texas?

I think separating the bachelors from the masters makes a lot of sense...those don't have to be married, and separating them will open up more choices.

[gRoland]

gRoland,

Have you thought of mixing in some Straighterline courses for at least the gen ed requirements? It isn't testing out, but not quite as rigorous as a regular course.

TESC also offers a bachelor's to master's program. switching schools might not be the answer, but it is worth taking a look. Bachelor's to Master's Program

How are you scheduling your courses? Maybe load up one semester and then the next take either easier courses or a reduced course load. it may drag out the process (which i'm not a fan of doing), but it sounds like you are in a marathon and not a sprint.

I have heard about Straighterline. I've not seen much in the way of feedback from people who have actually taken the courses, so I've been hesitant to go that route.

I hadn't seen TESC's bachelor to masters program, but taking a quick look at their site it's something I'll look into when I'm closer to the 60-credit mark (which appears to be what they require)

As far as scheduling, this summer I'll only be taking one course, due to my workload and travelling...I've alternated a bit between a light load and overloading myself. I may have to just alternate to avoid burnout.

Strikes me that if your not looking to test out and cost isn't a big factor...then why choose EC, or any of the Big 3? Since your looking to take classes there are perhaps hundreds of schools that will have better name recognition and be competitively priced. What are your options in Texas?

I think separating the bachelors from the masters makes a lot of sense...those don't have to be married, and separating them will open up more choices.

I chose Excelsior for couple of reasons (I did look at others). With my work, and the travel that goes into it, and the often long hours, I needed a school that was 100% online. I wanted a school that wouldn't make me retake the ACT/SAT, or some proprietary school or state test just to gain admittance -- at the time I just wanted to start. Plus, the degree options had to be something I was open to (criminal justice is a common online degree but not something I was interested in, for example). I was less concerned about name recognition, though I did set base criteria when looking for schools (had to be RA, not for profit). Those things narrowed the field a bit.

As far as separating the two degrees, as mentioned earlier the program has the option to get the bachelor's once you reach that point, and break from the masters. So I'm not necessarily tied to the masters. However, it was a factor in choosing the schools, because it potentially saves me credits and I also don't have to worry about the GMAT/GRE when I reach that point.

[Tedium]

I chose Excelsior for couple of reasons (I did look at others). With my work, and the travel that goes into it, and the often long hours, I needed a school that was 100% online. I wanted a school that wouldn't make me retake the ACT/SAT, or some proprietary school or state test just to gain admittance -- at the time I just wanted to start. Plus, the degree options had to be something I was open to (criminal justice is a common online degree but not something I was interested in, for example). I was less concerned about name recognition, though I did set base criteria when looking for schools (had to be RA, not for profit). Those things narrowed the field a bit.

In regards to those first two concerns, they aren't nearly the hurdle that they once were. Many, many schools offer a wide range of degrees 100% online now. I know you said you looked around, but I would take another look. There are some really decent programs that have generous transfer policies and also have accelerated 8-week courses to help you with your time issues. You usually just have to worry about ~30 hours residency, but if you are using the GI Bill, that's not so much of a strain. Plus, you would still have quite a bit left over for your graduate degree, I would think.

Also, if you are over the age of 25 you are considered a non-traditional student at many colleges. That means no ACT/SAT, etc. And Excelsior or TESC will always be there for your Master's when you graduate. Like rebel100 said, you have a lot of options out there. You can usually take a few courses at schools like Fort Hays State or Western New Mexico before you have to be enrolled. They are surprisingly cheap for graduate credit, so it wouldn't take you long to get nine or so before you got your bachelor's, and it wouldn't break the bank.

Just some food for thought.

[GoodYellowDogs]

I think we have all been in that "I'm not sure if I can test out" point. I would encourage you to find one you need, use the exam specific feedback section of InstantCert, and go for it! I'm confident you will do well and once you've done it, it's easier to plan and take more. Some of the exams have corresponding lectures and/or audio you can download and listen to on your commute, on your breaks/lunch (I forced myself to take breaks and lunch when I was studying), etc. That should minimize your impact on your spouse.

[Tedium]

I think we have all been in that "I'm not sure if I can test out" point. I would encourage you to find one you need, use the exam specific feedback section of InstantCert, and go for it! I'm confident you will do well and once you've done it, it's easier to plan and take more. Some of the exams have corresponding lectures and/or audio you can download and listen to on your commute, on your breaks/lunch (I forced myself to take breaks and lunch when I was studying), etc. That should minimize your impact on your spouse.

As much as I complain about it, my job affords me the opportunity to get in at least several hours of study per shift usually. Because of conflicting schedules, I would never see my fiance if that weren't the case. She wants me to get my degree, but she doesn't really understand when I have to spend time at home doing schoolwork, I guess. I'm not sure what the deal is. Anyway, I highly suggest you snatch time when you can. It may not seem like a lot, but it definitely adds up. That's especially doable if you are studying for tests, rather than working on a course with firm deadlines and participation grades. I would also highly recommend that route if possible, especially given the situation with your significant other. Things certainly got more tricky when I ran out of tests to take for my English degree.

Once you get that first pass under your belt, you'll feel a lot better about the whole process. I had to get over some jitters taking my College Composition CLEP recently, because I haven't tested in a while, but I was fine once I got a few questions in.

[marianne202]

I did juggle two degree at two different times on my journey, all while working full-time, commuting 2+ hours a day and with kids at home so I can certainly relate. I juggled a BSLS and BSHS at Excelsior BSHS and my MHA, one at Excelsior and one at Bellevue, so two different schools and two different sets of work level. Then I juggled the last several months of my MHA with a post-bac certificate program. Again, two different schools and levels. I had to put myself on a very strict schedule, kept to it and kept my eye on the prize. I had to feel like I was seeing lots of progress or I would have lost steam. But, it sounds like you are not able to set a strict schedule and for that reason I feel you may see more progress, faster if you either stop the MBA all together or focus on just the BS degree for now. I think you are too scattered and not taking enough classes each and every term to see the progress you need for motivation. I know that you may feel like it will take you longer if you don't work on both at one time, but completely finishing one degree will give you that boost you need. I know how hard it is, but you just have to find a way to structure your time so no one feels cheated, you or your family. Good Luck!

[gRoland]

To clarify, I am not taking any classes for the MBA portion, currently. I'm 100% focused on the BS part.

Also, it seems like several people recommend ditching Excelsior, which is a bit surprising given that there's a whole sub-forum dedicated to the big three. There are definitely more programs available now in other schools. However, I don't know that any of them offer any more significant of an advantage than Excelsior. In fact, looking at a couple, I stand a strong chance of losing between 1/4 to 2/3rds of the few credits I've already earned (that won't transfer), with another 40% or so being questionable (that is, they may well transfer but it's unclear how or if they'd apply to a degree program). So at least from that perspective, it sure seems a lot like setting me back even further than I already am. An advantage of choosing one of the big three is that they're a bit more generous on credit acceptance. I'm not super worried about name recognition of a school (besides avoiding those schools with a bad stigma)...an RA degree is an RA degree, and it's not like I'm going Ivy League.

I think I am going to look at additional testing options, though. Just going to have to take that leap! And definitely get better at scheduling and sticking to a schedule.

[mednat]

There is nothing wrong with Excelsior if you like it. The key difference between Excelsior and TESC is that TESC is more liberal in applying UL status to credits, where Excelsior will count it as a LL. This makes it extremely easy to test out of business degrees. I switched from Excelsior after paying the enrollment and multi-source fees because it was still cheaper to go to TESC given the same tests because TESC counted many as UL and Excelsior did not. I am very happy I switched schools, finishing at excelsior would have added atleast 6 months and much more expense to my degree. The key benefit I miss from Excelsior is access to decent advising. TESC has worked well for me, but you have to be very direct in what you ask for and research on your own.

From what I can tell COSC shines with articulation agreements and use of financial aid. i have no experience with them so I can't comment on how well they fit.

Straighterline was a lifesaver for me. My main issue with tests is going to a testing center. Straighterline let me gain credit while at work, or in any spare time I had. I highly recommend you look into this. If you have any more questions on SL, just message me, I'd be happy to answer them.

[Lindagerr]

I know you think testing is not your thing, but it may work wonders for your marriage. At this point you are overwhelmed by the amount of work and the time it will take you to her it probably looks like you will be busy with school for the rest of your lives together. Having a toddler in the house id exhausting and can be overwhelming by itself, feeling like she is doing it alone could make her resentful of your schooling. If you could knock off a few of the credits with test which should take less structured (I have to do it now) study and being able to show her look how much progress I have made in the last few months may be what she needs to feel there is an end in sight and be more supportive.

Just my 2 cents

[gRoland]

There is nothing wrong with Excelsior if you like it. The key difference between Excelsior and TESC is that TESC is more liberal in applying UL status to credits, where Excelsior will count it as a LL. This makes it extremely easy to test out of business degrees. I switched from Excelsior after paying the enrollment and multi-source fees because it was still cheaper to go to TESC given the same tests because TESC counted many as UL and Excelsior did not. I am very happy I switched schools, finishing at excelsior would have added atleast 6 months and much more expense to my degree. The key benefit I miss from Excelsior is access to decent advising. TESC has worked well for me, but you have to be very direct in what you ask for and research on your own.

From what I can tell COSC shines with articulation agreements and use of financial aid. i have no experience with them so I can't comment on how well they fit.

Straighterline was a lifesaver for me. My main issue with tests is going to a testing center. Straighterline let me gain credit while at work, or in any spare time I had. I highly recommend you look into this. If you have any more questions on SL, just message me, I'd be happy to answer them.

Now that's potentially a very solid reason, with the application of UL vs LL credits. At the moment I'm not sure that makes a significant difference with the credits I have, but I can see it potentially being an issu. This is something I'll have to keep more of an eye on.

I know you think testing is not your thing, but it may work wonders for your marriage. At this point you are overwhelmed by the amount of work and the time it will take you to her it probably looks like you will be busy with school for the rest of your lives together. Having a toddler in the house id exhausting and can be overwhelming by itself, feeling like she is doing it alone could make her resentful of your schooling. If you could knock off a few of the credits with test which should take less structured (I have to do it now) study and being able to show her look how much progress I have made in the last few months may be what she needs to feel there is an end in sight and be more supportive.

Just my 2 cents

This is definitely a good approach, from that perspective. Perhaps that's more motivation for myself to start testing out.