How are people getting done so fast?

[bjcheung77]

All programs have their cons, some don't really look at it as a con, in addition to some pros, people need to investigate further and try the learning policies, processes, systems, etc and see if the degree or institution is for them. I usually look for a mix of cheap, easy, fast, and also ROI/Value, plus research the content being taught... There really isn't a one size fits all model, people need to decide for themselves which degree, institution, alternative credit provider, etc, so many various variables to select from, make sure it meets your needs.

[origamishuttle]

Another thing to consider is that there is a range of natural ability. I know someone who is naturally strong with the written word. She's a fast reader and has very good recall on anything she reads once. She can also write competently at a rate of one double-spaced page every 2-3 minutes. And she can concentrate for long periods of time. If you put all of these together, she could probably complete 10 UMPI courses in less than a week. This example is an extreme outlier, but it shows what's possible when task, ability, and effort all come together in a perfect storm. Most people are simply not capable of this feat, but then most people are also not world-class athletes, nor should we expect to be.

Personally, I may be below average, but I research, plan, and strategize as much as possible to select, and then make the most of, my opportunities. That's what is so great about this forum, being able to share in others' knowledge, perspectives, and experiences to help us build our optimal paths to success.

[KSoul]

Some courses create the emotions you are experiencing, and others feel right in your wheelhouse, creating opportunities to get through the course swiftly. Ultimately, it all balances out and is usually much faster than you can imagine in this current state. However, even if it takes longer, the goal is to earn a degree, and at the end of the day, no one gets more of a degree due to completing it faster. They are all equal in value independent of the duration.

Lean into this chapter of your journey, and we will all be here for you throughout the process. Congratulations on starting!

[OldLadyScholar]

I am 2 weeks in at UMPI, and I have to say I'm blown away when I read about how some people on here are just plowing thru these classes at the speed of light. I am doing Creative Writing and Project Management right now. I am almost done with Creative Writing and it's one of the most un-fun classes I have ever taken in my life, lol. Project Management is very interesting but it's still by no means something I can absorb and get through in a week. I read a post on here from someone who said "most people finish their degrees in 1 session" at UMPI. How on earth?! I have to do 10 classes thru them and at this rate it's going to take me months. I do have plenty of time to study but I can't just force feed and absorb all that info at that volume and pump out the milestone papers immediately. Am I just slow or are there others who have to go at a slower pace? Every time I read this forum I start wondering if there is something wrong with me, lol... 

Hello. I'm new to this forum. I too started just two weeks ago at UMPI YourPace. I have finished two classes and am working on finishing a third. But I have extensive knowledge already due to the fact that I work in a high school and am currently taking UMPI classes that honestly I do not need to read anything to pass (except Hty 301 Medieval Europe) because everything is just a repeat of what I have been doing the last 7 years. For example, I am currently taking POS 101: American Government and in the last 7 years I have been in high school government class in California over 6/7 times. In fact, some of my students just finished Principles of Democracy last semester and another group of my students are currently in the POD class right now. We literally dissect the Constitution every time and I do not need to read through the Constitution yet another time. lol **I skim all material anyway because you never know what you forget or what you never knew. 

So, I wouldn't compare yourself to others. And no doubt when I get to material that I don't already know, I will be performing at a slower pace. Good luck!

[yc1981]

I am 2 weeks in at UMPI, and I have to say I'm blown away when I read about how some people on here are just plowing thru these classes at the speed of light. I am doing Creative Writing and Project Management right now. I am almost done with Creative Writing and it's one of the most un-fun classes I have ever taken in my life, lol. Project Management is very interesting but it's still by no means something I can absorb and get through in a week. I read a post on here from someone who said "most people finish their degrees in 1 session" at UMPI. How on earth?! I have to do 10 classes thru them and at this rate it's going to take me months. I do have plenty of time to study but I can't just force feed and absorb all that info at that volume and pump out the milestone papers immediately. Am I just slow or are there others who have to go at a slower pace? Every time I read this forum I start wondering if there is something wrong with me, lol... 

You are doing fine! The majority of UMPI students take 3-4 courses per term. Most people do not finish a course in a week. The one's you're reading about are outliers. Stay focused and move at your own pace. Sounds like you're actually learning something which most people who rush through do not and quite often admit that they didn't learn anything. There is NOTHING wrong with you!

Thanks so much for this. I actually am learning from the material for sure. And I do think the UMPI competency based format is a great fit for me, as I learn by doing. I don't feel overwhelmed, I think everything is doable. I just have kind of calculated based on my experience so far that 1 class will take me about 2 or 3 weeks, so I probably will end up doing 3 classes in a term (or maybe 4 if I get lucky) and I was wondering if I was abnormal since mostly all I read on here are people cramming in crazy amounts. Haha. Thanks for the encouragement!

[ss20ts]

Thanks so much for this. I actually am learning from the material for sure. And I do think the UMPI competency based format is a great fit for me, as I learn by doing. I don't feel overwhelmed, I think everything is doable. I just have kind of calculated based on my experience so far that 1 class will take me about 2 or 3 weeks, so I probably will end up doing 3 classes in a term (or maybe 4 if I get lucky) and I was wondering if I was abnormal since mostly all I read on here are people cramming in crazy amounts. Haha. Thanks for the encouragement!

You got this!

[CCCollege]

Another thing to consider is that there is a range of natural ability. I know someone who is naturally strong with the written word. She's a fast reader and has very good recall on anything she reads once. She can also write competently at a rate of one double-spaced page every 2-3 minutes. And she can concentrate for long periods of time. If you put all of these together, she could probably complete 10 UMPI courses in less than a week. This example is an extreme outlier, but it shows what's possible when task, ability, and effort all come together in a perfect storm. Most people are simply not capable of this feat, but then most people are also not world-class athletes, nor should we expect to be.

Personally, I may be below average, but I research, plan, and strategize as much as possible to select, and then make the most of, my opportunities. That's what is so great about this forum, being able to share in others' knowledge, perspectives, and experiences to help us build our optimal paths to success.

Agree. I consider myself a strong writer and have tremendous real world experience in leadership and management. I’m not learning new concepts for the most part, so the work is very simple for me to execute. I started January 16th and I’m about to finish my 10th class’s final. I have 3 classes left and I plan to finish them by Friday of next week and be completely done with my degree.  

I work on school for about 7 hours every afternoon and evening, but I have had two weekends where I did no school work due to life obligations.  I am fortunate my husband manages the evenings while I do school, my daughter is older as well and fairly self-sufficient.  

How people’s lives are structured plays a big role in things. This is the reason I didn’t finish college my first go. Life was much more difficult back then. 

I’m proud of myself and really determined to finish my degree in one term.

[bjcheung77]

@CCCollege, You're pacing yourself perfectly! Wow, that's 10 out of 13 classes in such an amazing time, congrats on getting this far... Hopefully you'll reach that soon enough. Don't rush it though, you don't want to burn out near the end. You're almost there with 3 classes left and about a month remaining!

[indigoshuffle]

Another thing to consider is that there is a range of natural ability. I know someone who is naturally strong with the written word. She's a fast reader and has very good recall on anything she reads once. She can also write competently at a rate of one double-spaced page every 2-3 minutes. And she can concentrate for long periods of time. If you put all of these together, she could probably complete 10 UMPI courses in less than a week. This example is an extreme outlier, but it shows what's possible when task, ability, and effort all come together in a perfect storm. Most people are simply not capable of this feat, but then most people are also not world-class athletes, nor should we expect to be.

Personally, I may be below average, but I research, plan, and strategize as much as possible to select, and then make the most of, my opportunities. That's what is so great about this forum, being able to share in others' knowledge, perspectives, and experiences to help us build our optimal paths to success.

Agree. I consider myself a strong writer and have tremendous real world experience in leadership and management. I’m not learning new concepts for the most part, so the work is very simple for me to execute. I started January 16th and I’m about to finish my 10th class’s final. I have 3 classes left and I plan to finish them by Friday of next week and be completely done with my degree.  

I work on school for about 7 hours every afternoon and evening, but I have had two weekends where I did no school work due to life obligations.  I am fortunate my husband manages the evenings while I do school, my daughter is older as well and fairly self-sufficient.  

How people’s lives are structured plays a big role in things. This is the reason I didn’t finish college my first go. Life was much more difficult back then. 

I’m proud of myself and really determined to finish my degree in one term.

Fantastic pace. UMPI's courses are not full of fluff. In fact they're pretty straight forward. If you have time, and psychological space, you can finish quite a bit in a short amount of time, especially business classes.

[ishady]

I am 2 weeks in at UMPI, and I have to say I'm blown away when I read about how some people on here are just plowing thru these classes at the speed of light. I am doing Creative Writing and Project Management right now. I am almost done with Creative Writing and it's one of the most un-fun classes I have ever taken in my life, lol. Project Management is very interesting but it's still by no means something I can absorb and get through in a week. I read a post on here from someone who said "most people finish their degrees in 1 session" at UMPI. How on earth?! I have to do 10 classes thru them and at this rate it's going to take me months. I do have plenty of time to study but I can't just force feed and absorb all that info at that volume and pump out the milestone papers immediately. Am I just slow or are there others who have to go at a slower pace? Every time I read this forum I start wondering if there is something wrong with me, lol... 

Hi yc,
Guilty as charge. I am the one you seek for 
As the senior member here wrote, I missed my plan to finish the other classes outside UMPI and still owe a lot of classes at UMPI. I transferred a lot from my previous university but most of them not transferable to UMPI's credits. I also finish 2-3 classes per term   . Besides as a non-native English speaker, I work full time, often goes out of town for business or abroad for family time.
Keep up the spirit. Banzai! 
Regards,

ishady