Efficient Associate degree plan from scratch

[cwendy111]

Pierpont is very clear on what it is and what it is not. It is a program that helps adult students with credit get an Associates. Nothing more; nothing less.

As to it being “free,” we help them and they help us. Why? Every “free” Associates they award helps their graduation stats and we get a credential.

It is what it is.

While I hope your son is successful, I confess I do not understand the degree to which parents here are invested in and practically try to earn the degree for their minor children.

What are your son’s ideas on a degree? It sounds like gaming is his forte, but “we” are not wedded to a major.

Does he want this quick associates or do you? It seems like you are trying to make your path his path as well. Is this the same son who was 13 and procrastinating on a Sophia course?

Maybe I’m wrong, but if his forte is gaming - let him do the research and plan the degree and then help him to evaluate his options.

The decision should be his (unless you want him still at home at age 30) because the work, the learning, and the accomplishment will be his.


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Wow. What I didn't ask for is a psychological exam from a stranger. Shame your mommy didn't love you enough to guide you as a child and you now see fit to take it out on others. I sure didn't ask any of you for parenting advice.

Age discrimination is a real thing and whether you agree or not, limiting opportunities strictly based on age is exactly that. There certainly is nothing wrong with a person trying to take advantage of systems in place. That is literally the point of this entire forum. This one doesn't work for us, so we move on.

He has no idea about dual enrollment, accelerated credits like the majority of the population. As his parent, it is my job to impart knowledge that I have that can give him an advantage in this world. He is full in on spending less time doing something he can do more efficiently and cheaper. Our educational system is designed to create drones, not dreamers. You sound jealous.

What 13 year old knows what they want to do as an adult? Most adults don't even know. In trying to find coursework for cheap that he may be interested in while maximizing his degree path, I am exposing him to different things so he can figure it out. We work together to figure out his path. Hence, my questions and uncertainty. He can always get a Liberal studies degree. I don't care.

He did finish that course btw and is working on the next one. Why would I allow a 13 yr old to plan a college degree when the purpose of this forum is for adults who can't do that very same thing. Genius. Like Wanting the best for your child is a bad thing. If it were up to me, he'd be an RN like me for the opportunities, flexibility and salary. But that's not what he wants, so NO this isn't MY degree. It's HIS.

Lastly, you and your unwelcome and entitled opinion about me and my family can fuck all the way off.


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True Story-
My mother planned my degree, chose my college, and mapped out years of my life with very little say from me. I was 17 and I couldn't afford to do it on my own so I went along with it. Dropped out on academic probation because I hate the school and hated the coursework. It was NOTHING that I wanted for myself.
Fast forward 34 years and I am on the Dean's List at a school that works for me and with a degree plan that I adore. Within two years I'll have three degrees and will be considering Master's degrees.

Help when asked, but please let it be your kid's decisions.

I don't know where you people come off with this sense of entitlement that you can pass judgment on things you know nothing about. You don't know me or my family. I didn't ask for parenting lessons, I asked for degree planning advice which is what this forum is for. If you don't have it, keep scrolling and myob.


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True Story-
My mother planned my degree, chose my college, and mapped out years of my life with very little say from me. I was 17 and I couldn't afford to do it on my own so I went along with it. Dropped out on academic probation because I hate the school and hated the coursework. It was NOTHING that I wanted for myself.
Fast forward 34 years and I am on the Dean's List at a school that works for me and with a degree plan that I adore. Within two years I'll have three degrees and will be considering Master's degrees.

Help when asked, but please let it be your kid's decisions.

I agree that there is such a thing as too much help, yes. But, on the other hand, I was one of those kids left to my own devices. I was told that I could get whatever degree I wanted from the local schools that would be covered by the FAFSA (we couldn't exactly afford to send me away for college and I had no interest in going heavily into student loan debt). 

I didn't know what questions to ask. It was assumed that I could figure out everything myself, including what major I wanted. So I wasn't asked if I needed help. Even if I had been, I was the kind of kid who would've said that I didn't need any help. Spoiler alert: I didn't know then and I'm still not 100% convinced now that this is THE degree(s) I want. 

In hindsight, I probably would've been better off career-wise if someone had sat me down and told me that a bachelor's degree was my choice but here's a relatively simple plan for an Associate's degree and I needed to follow it. I honestly probably would've complained a bit, because I was also that kind of kid, but I think I would probably at least have gotten the Associate's.  

There is definitely no one-size-fits-all solution that will work for everyone, but I do think that there are plenty of kids who definitely need a kick in the pants + a little help when it comes to obtaining a degree.

Thank you. We are literally in a forum full of ADULTS seeking advice with degree planning, but I should let my 13 yr old kid figure this all out alone or I'm enabling him to be useless somehow? Like, REALLY?!?! The hypocrisy is stunning and confusing. I truly can't believe the audacity.


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Based on your use of language, your education seems have been wasted.

You are an RN? Sad.


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Cuz I said one bad word, I'm uneducated? You really are a troll. And a dumb one at that.

https://www.sciencealert.com/swearing-is...scientists


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Thank you. We are literally in a forum full of ADULTS seeking advice with degree planning, but I should let my 13 yr old kid figure this all out alone or I'm enabling him to be useless somehow? Like, REALLY?!?! The hypocrisy is stunning and confusing. I truly can't believe the audacity.


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There are people here who ask for help for their 16-20 year old kids. So... I can kind of see where some people might be coming from. At that age, you're supposed to be old enough to come here yourself and ask directly. On the other hand, I had no freaking clue what I wanted at 13, 16, 20, etc. Until 2020, my plan was to get an ENGLISH degree, not one in Computer Science. I still feel drawn to such a degree. I'm still half considering, if possible, UMPI after TESU for English & History. I have varied tastes.

Thanks again! There is nothing wrong with asking for help though. What difference does it make who is asking? Maybe the young person doesn't know what to ask as they have little experience in these matters. What's wrong with helping your kids at any age? My goodness, the popularity of this group is a clear indication that people of all ages need help sometimes. Like no one should have to feel guilty about asking for help at any age. Why are people so mean?


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[rachel83az]

Everyone, goodness, calm down, please. cwendy111, I get it. You're a mom and you're protective of your child who is still a MINOR. But please try not to swear. We do have other kids who come here every so often and I'd hate to have anyone get scared off by swearing.

BrianFallon, the first two sentences of your very first post here were fine. After that? cwendy111 is right that you don't know anything about her situation or why she wants to help her son with this. There are people who come here for help on behalf of an adult relative who cannot do the planning themselves for whatever reason. We don't judge.

If y'all can't behave civilly to one another, I'm going to lock the thread.

[cwendy111]

At Snow, they even have a demo login that you can use to see if you like the layout/functionality of the courses. You can see the syllabus and all of the course materials for what appears to be every course that they offer. They even have an online PE class if you want to force your kid to get up and away from the video games every so often.

That demo feature is real nice. The PE course is a big win!! I like!!! I love how they recognize the diverse needs of their clientele and welcome EVERYONE! dfrecore's advice is unmatched!

[ctcarl]

Age discrimination is a real thing and whether you agree or not, limiting opportunities strictly based on age is exactly that.

Pierpont does not discriminate based on age.

From their website:

"This degree program is open to any student who has graduated from high school two or more years prior"

While the program is designed for adult learners, there is no mention of a specific age restriction.

[cwendy111]

Age discrimination is a real thing and whether you agree or not, limiting opportunities strictly based on age is exactly that.

Pierpont does not discriminate based on age.

From their website:

"This degree program is open to any student who has graduated from high school two or more years prior"

While the program is designed for adult learners, there is no mention of a specific age restriction.

Seeing that most people graduate HS as 18yr old adults, and they require 2 years after that, it pretty much excludes anyone under 20yrs old. Of course there are exceptional kids who graduate younger, but that 2 year wait will likely push even the very ambitious student into 18 yrs of age (adult). Sure there are some rare 12 yr olds who graduate HS, but their paths are different aren't they? So it is a clandestine age restriction for adult learners only. It's OK, they want adult learners, it's cool, I'm over it. Other schools have similar restrictions, including TESU, although they do have an appeals process. 

Seems the term "age discrimination" is inflammatory for some of you. It's just a word. When you break down the meaning of "discrimination" and remove the emotion, combined with the policy, the word fits. They are excluding a large number of the population based solely on their age. Whatevs, their program, their rules. We will find another way.

[bjcheung77]

For many age is nothing but a number, for some schools (not many) but in the case of Excelsior as an example, as long as the student has a high school graduate parchment, they can be admitted even if they're a minor - I think this can be home-school or anything, such as getting one of those inexpensive online high school diplomas that have Regional Accreditation.

There are a small number of other nationally accredited colleges that operate a high school division that is Regionally Accredited, I recall a few Excelsior College graduates who finished a Penn Foster high school diploma at 12 and graduated Excelsior at 13 using the test out method, just doing the required courses at Excelsior. Essentially all the work was done while working on that high school diploma!

In fact, there are some DEAC/RA schools that target high school/home school students and graduate them with an Associates degree while they graduate their High School diploma by providing dual enrolment and other options that allow them to complete the Associates while they're still in high school. There really isn't a need to rush, allow the child to make their own decisions, but do provide them any alternative pathway option there is...

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My nephew and niece asked me for a high school & associates degree plan last year, basically, I informed them there are options to complete that if they ever wanted to be ahead - they're only 13 to 15. Basically, since I used Penn Foster earlier as an example (unless they've made some changes), by using ACE and transferring 75% of the Associates/HS diploma and taking 5 required courses at the school in question, you can get both a High School diploma and an Associates at the same time using Penn Foster's Early College program.

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Oh, here's the program link: https://www.pennfoster.edu/high-school/a...ly-college I would however, recommend other programs, this is just an example.

[cwendy111]

For many age is nothing but a number, for some schools (not many) but in the case of Excelsior as an example, as long as the student has a high school graduate parchment, they can be admitted even if they're a minor - I think this can be home-school or anything, such as getting one of those inexpensive online high school diplomas that have Regional Accreditation.

There are a small number of other nationally accredited colleges that operate a high school division that is Regionally Accredited, I recall a few Excelsior College graduates who finished a Penn Foster high school diploma at 12 and graduated Excelsior at 13 using the test out method, just doing the required courses at Excelsior.  Essentially all the work was done while working on that high school diploma!

In fact, there are some DEAC/RA schools that target high school/home school students and graduate them with an Associates degree while they graduate their High School diploma by providing dual enrolment and other options that allow them to complete the Associates while they're still in high school.  There really isn't a need to rush, allow the child to make their own decisions, but do provide them any alternative pathway option there is...

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My nephew and niece asked me for a high school & associates degree plan last year, basically, I informed them there are options to complete that if they ever wanted to be ahead - they're only 13 to 15.   Basically, since I used Penn Foster earlier as an example (unless they've made some changes), by using ACE and transferring 75% of the Associates/HS diploma and taking 5 required courses at the school in question, you can get both a High School diploma and an Associates at the same time using Penn Foster's Early College program.

Thank you for chiming in and providing some more information. I didn't invent dual enrollment or accelerated HS, I am merely partaking in the alternative pathways out there like everyone else. It's a shame more people don't know about dual enrollment, early college and these alternative credit pathways for their children. But I do know about them and plan to maximize them within my child's abilities and interests. There is no solid plan except to take courses as we go, maintain his interest and figure it all along the way. Hence the post. He likes gaming, so I searched for it and found out about XAMK in this forum. I am the most chill parent I know. Having someone judge me for wanting what is best for my child, is offensive in ways I cannot describe. I'm in several FB groups of hardcore homeschool dual enrollment moms and I consider myself a newbie novice taking it slow and easy. 10 yrs olds taking Trig. We are slackers if anything. The judgement I received here was really infuriating, hence my testy responses. "Don't judge or you too shall be judged."

[dfrecore]

Thank you for chiming in and providing some more information. I didn't invent dual enrollment or accelerated HS, I am merely partaking in the alternative pathways out there like everyone else. It's a shame more people don't know about dual enrollment, early college and these alternative credit pathways for their children. But I do know about them and plan to maximize them within my child's abilities and interests. There is no solid plan except to take courses as we go, maintain his interest and figure it all along the way. Hence the post. He likes gaming, so I searched for it and found out about XAMK in this forum. I am the most chill parent I know. Having someone judge me for wanting what is best for my child, is offensive in ways I cannot describe. I'm in several FB groups of hardcore homeschool dual enrollment moms and I consider myself a newbie novice taking it slow and easy. 10 yrs olds taking Trig. We are slackers if anything. The judgement I received here was really infuriating, hence my testy responses. "Don't judge or you too shall be judged."

Not sure why all the hate - we are parents and it is OUR responsibility - not a school's and certainly not the government's - to guide our kids (especially our minor children) in their education.  My 18yo college student still needs a TON of guidance right now - she does not know nearly enough to get herself a degree at this time - and she's certainly not going to come on a forum and start asking questions.  But, I am working with her, there's a plan in place (I created it based on her input), and she agrees with it and is following it.

The funny thing is here - so many of us got zero guidance from parents, people complain about student loan debt because they didn't know any better, people have all kinds of credits from many different schools because they wandered from school to school - and then people spew hate on you for providing solid guidance for your kid! WTH?!?  I guess if they didn't get good guidance from their parents, then you shouldn't give it to your kid, and they can flounder?  Not sure what the deal is there.

Anyway, feel free to PM me if you have questions, I homeschooled both of mine through 8th grade, and am still providing a ton of guidance to my college kid and high school kid.  They need it.  They appreciate it.  They are learning but still need lots of help.  There's absolutely NOTHING wrong with helping your kids get a college degree (especially if YOU are paying for it!).

Good luck.

[cwendy111]

Thank you for chiming in and providing some more information. I didn't invent dual enrollment or accelerated HS, I am merely partaking in the alternative pathways out there like everyone else. It's a shame more people don't know about dual enrollment, early college and these alternative credit pathways for their children. But I do know about them and plan to maximize them within my child's abilities and interests. There is no solid plan except to take courses as we go, maintain his interest and figure it all along the way. Hence the post. He likes gaming, so I searched for it and found out about XAMK in this forum. I am the most chill parent I know. Having someone judge me for wanting what is best for my child, is offensive in ways I cannot describe. I'm in several FB groups of hardcore homeschool dual enrollment moms and I consider myself a newbie novice taking it slow and easy. 10 yrs olds taking Trig. We are slackers if anything. The judgement I received here was really infuriating, hence my testy responses. "Don't judge or you too shall be judged."

Not sure why all the hate - we are parents and it is OUR responsibility - not a school's and certainly not the government's - to guide our kids (especially our minor children) in their education.  My 18yo college student still needs a TON of guidance right now - she does not know nearly enough to get herself a degree at this time - and she's certainly not going to come on a forum and start asking questions.  But, I am working with her, there's a plan in place (I created it based on her input), and she agrees with it and is following it.

The funny thing is here - so many of us got zero guidance from parents, people complain about student loan debt because they didn't know any better, people have all kinds of credits from many different schools because they wandered from school to school - and then people spew hate on you for providing solid guidance for your kid! WTH?!?  I guess if they didn't get good guidance from their parents, then you shouldn't give it to your kid, and they can flounder?  Not sure what the deal is there.

Anyway, feel free to PM me if you have questions, I homeschooled both of mine through 8th grade, and am still providing a ton of guidance to my college kid and high school kid.  They need it.  They appreciate it.  They are learning but still need lots of help.  There's absolutely NOTHING wrong with helping your kids get a college degree (especially if YOU are paying for it!).

Good luck.

Left the mic smoking !!!!!

Thank you for everything that you do here and out in the world for families navigating this ever more complex world of degree planning. You have helped me get my head together for my own degree plan (I was ALL over the place) and now are helping me help my child. Special thanks to all the Master Posters who stick around moderating and posting all hours of the day and night just to help people. You are all angels. I appreciate all of you!


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[LevelUP]

What I didn't ask for is a psychological exam from a stranger. Shame your mommy didn't love you enough to guide you as a child and you now see fit to take it out on others. I sure didn't ask any of you for parenting advice.

I don't know where you people come off with this sense of entitlement that you can pass judgment on things you know nothing about. You don't know me or my family. I didn't ask for parenting lessons, I asked for degree planning advice which is what this forum is for. If you don't have it, keep scrolling and myob.

Thank you. We are literally in a forum full of ADULTS seeking advice with degree planning, but I should let my 13 yr old kid figure this all out alone or I'm enabling him to be useless somehow? Like, REALLY?!?!

You and your unwelcome and entitled opinion about me and my family can fuck all the way off.

Cuz I said one bad word, I'm uneducated? You really are a troll. And a dumb one at that.

Why are people so mean?

The hypocrisy is stunning and confusing.

Wow, just wow!