Age waiver denied from TESU. Policy changed Jan. 1, 2018

[allvia]

I wonder if this new policy also applies for Associate´s degrees at TESU. If so, it seems rather silly that someone who has an official high school diploma and is 16 years old would not be able to enroll for an Associate´s degree.

TESU’s mission is returning adults. 18 is the minimum age for an exception as long as you can bring 24 credits. That’s what they told me yesterday. They said their current president wants to stay “true to the mission.”

TESU standard admittance age requirement is 21, so as listed above 18 years old is an exception.  I think they are looking for a certain level of maturity (as in life experience - that can only come with age).  I commend you for having your teens ahead in college credits, now might be a good time for them to get some business (professional work/intern) experience to gain that sort of maturity and understanding; they clearly already have the educational commitment maturity.   Also, they only have a few more years left to be kids so slowing down the degree pace altogether is an viable option too.

[homeschoolmom1]

Does anybody know the age requirement at WGU? I know that at Athabasca it is 16.

[allvia]

Does anybody know the age requirement at WGU? I know that at Athabasca it is 16.

Age requirement for WGU is 16 years old - https://www.wgu.edu/admissions.htm

[mudball]

I'm so sorry for the ones that did not get in. My 17yr old applied very early in Jan. It took them a long time to approve him; I think it was over 3 weeks. He even sent an email inquiring about the status and they said they had not made a decision yet. They must have been in the process of deciding the new requirements. He had taken several courses at RA Universities in 2017, maybe that helped him squeeze in. I feel very lucky. It would have been a bummer if he had to change schools because all the ACE courses he had completed had been tailored to TESU.

[cookderosa]

I can't find anything in the regional accreditation sites, but I wonder if this is pressure coming from them. I suggest that because I've noticed a number of RA colleges that use the wording "for adults" in their online info. Those programs specifically allow a good amount of alternative (non college) credit. It makes me think that colleges get some kind of extra allowance when a program is for adults / returning adults. Perhaps allowing younger students would put that in jeopardy? We lost Shawn Ambrose last year, but he would have known the answer. I'm just guessing of course, but the hesitation and outright refusal of schools like TESU to admit students when there is an open enrollment policy and no residency requirement begs the question "why?"

[stampbuyme]

I'm so sorry for the ones that did not get in. My 17yr old applied very early in Jan. It took them a long time to approve him; I think it was over 3 weeks. He even sent an email inquiring about the status and they said they had not made a decision yet. They must have been in the process of deciding the new requirements. He had taken several courses at RA Universities in 2017, maybe that helped him squeeze in. I feel very lucky. It would have been a bummer if he had to change schools because all the ACE courses he had completed had been tailored to TESU.

Sincerely happy for you, mudball.  We are thankful to know now.  I think it adds maybe 2 more classes to our load.  More $, too, but we still have a path to a degree by mostly exam.  Hiccup in life.  Moving on...  Best wishes to your son!

[Clodyneseidel]

All Excelsior is asking is a copy of her High School diploma and a letter handwritten by my daughter giving her parents permission to speak for her when necessary. . Excited ? She is most likely accepted at 15 years old.

[burbuja0512]

I didn't read through the entire thread, but I just want to say that when I graduated from COSC, I spent the $$ to go to Connecticut and actually walk in the ceremony. There were two students that were 16 and COSC specifically called them up to the stage and congratulated them.

This was 2011, so no clue if they still do this, but I would recommend COSC for the sole reason that it's a state school that is comfortable with 16 year olds. Nothing against EC, but I do really enjoy being able to say that I went to a "small state college in CT." It just sounds better IMHO.

I can see why some schools wouldn't want to do the age waiver too often. There's a balance between finding Doogie Howser and just looking like you're easy to graduate from. Makes sense to me, but I think COSC's 16 is very reasonable. If they've got a lot of time on their hand before turning 16, they can do a minor, or even better focus on some certificates, or volunteer work that will help them get a job. Since you can't really just get a job with a degree and no experience, volunteer time is probably just as valuable if not more than an early degree. Especially considering that a Big 3 degree means that you probably missed an opportunity for an internship.

[stampbuyme]

All Excelsior is asking is a copy of her High School diploma and a letter handwritten by my daughter giving her parents permission to speak for her when necessary. . Excited ? She is most likely accepted at 15 years old.

I did a lot of research on Charter Oak yesterday, but am feeling uneasy about pursuing that route if we can't lock in requirements until she is 16.  That move has already cost us a little.  Was it free to apply to Excelsior?  They sure responded fast!  Encouraging!  Thanks for updating.

[Clodyneseidel]

All Excelsior is asking is a copy of her High School diploma and a letter handwritten by my daughter giving her parents permission to speak for her when necessary. . Excited ? She is most likely accepted at 15 years old.

I did a lot of research on Charter Oak yesterday, but am feeling uneasy about pursuing that route if we can't lock in requirements until she is 16.  That move has already cost us a little.  Was it free to apply to Excelsior?  They sure responded fast!  Encouraging!  Thanks for updating.

It cost $50 to apply. They responded right away. The advisor called too. My husband just spoke to him. It seems like they will accept her based on the fact that she graduated High School. He asked for the copy of the diploma. I think normally age requirement is 18.