College Plus

[bonyleonie2]

Interesting diversions here! Anyway, as a Christian homeschooling mom (and student), I completely understand the whole 'exposure' issue, and I agree that there has to come a time when kids need to be able to handle 'radicals'.

However, although I realise the thread comments were not directly aimed at me, I have to say that our rational for doing the bachelor's this way is completely self serving! It is cheaper to keep them home and get it done while they are still young and under our roof; it avoids the stress and ridiculous games involved in applying for traditional colleges, scholarships, etc; there is no time wasted on travelling to and from classes and sitting through boring lectures - on their schedule; and most notably it gives the kids a GREAT head start on life.

Whether they choose to take advantage of it after is up to them, but they can't come knocking on the door later moaning that they didn't get an opportunity!

So there you have it. If someone decides to go the College Plus route it is no different than hiring someone to renovate the bathroom instead of doing it ourselves. Sure it would be way cheaper but then we would have to do all the work and it would take FOREVER!!!! Sometimes we don't want to do all the work and take forever!

Blessings,
LB

[malcs]

Interesting diversions here! Anyway, as a Christian homeschooling mom (and student), I completely understand the whole 'exposure' issue, and I agree that there has to come a time when kids need to be able to handle 'radicals'.

However, although I realise the thread comments were not directly aimed at me, I have to say that our rational for doing the bachelor's this way is completely self serving! It is cheaper to keep them home and get it done while they are still young and under our roof; it avoids the stress and ridiculous games involved in applying for traditional colleges, scholarships, etc; there is no time wasted on travelling to and from classes and sitting through boring lectures - on their schedule; and most notably it gives the kids a GREAT head start on life.

Whether they choose to take advantage of it after is up to them, but they can't come knocking on the door later moaning that they didn't get an opportunity!

So there you have it. If someone decides to go the College Plus route it is no different than hiring someone to renovate the bathroom instead of doing it ourselves. Sure it would be way cheaper but then we would have to do all the work and it would take FOREVER!!!! Sometimes we don't want to do all the work and take forever!

Blessings,
LB

Personally, I have no idea how you find the time/energy for just the homeschooling. I am glad when my kids are off to school and I have time to do my own work. You must be glad to "outsource" that aspect of dealing with the college planning and motivation.

[LatinTea]

I like the research and figuring out the degree plan. I also homeschool my children...well, I guess my ds, Ruddigore, graduating in a week, probably would like to be called something other than a 'child'. I also have a dd, 14, who hopefully will CLEP in the future, but right now it's regular 9th grade coursework next year.

We looked at CollegePlus (and I still do from time to time), but just couldn't get myself to sign on the dotted line. That's a gob of money, no matter how you look at it. I am still on the fence about this. We'll see how the next couple of months go.

CollegePlus now has something called CollegePrep. It is geared toward 14-15 year olds. It is similar in that they are taught speed reading, memory devices, logical arguments, and more. They end up (after 9 months) taking 2 CLEPs. All this for $800 -$950. Also a lot of money. Sounds kinda interesting though. It might motivate my dd to give it a try.

So, now I'm thinking about that too!

[Ruddigore]

...I have to say that our rational for doing the bachelor's this way is completely self serving! It is cheaper to keep them home and get it done while they are still young and under our roof; it avoids the stress and ridiculous games involved in applying for traditional colleges, scholarships, etc;

Indeed. After much deliberation, I have come to the conclusion that scholarships specifically for white males of European descent simply do not exist!

Oh, well.

[Farmerboy]

Indeed. After much deliberation, I have come to the conclusion that scholarships specifically for white males of European dissent simply do not exist!

Oh, well.

Don't get me started....

Can I join you in a class action suit for wrongful reverse discrimination? hilarious

[Ruddigore]

Don't get me started....

Can I join you in a class action suit for wrongful reverse discrimination?

Of course!

[bonyleonie2]

[/QUOTE]
CollegePlus now has something called CollegePrep. It is geared toward 14-15 year olds. It is similar in that they are taught speed reading, memory devices, logical arguments, and more. They end up (after 9 months) taking 2 CLEPs. All this for $800 -$950. Also a lot of money. Sounds kinda interesting though. It might motivate my dd to give it a try.

So, now I'm thinking about that too! [/QUOTE]

That sounds interesting, but I really DO think that sounds like a waste of money (the CollegePlus for 14, 15 yr olds). If you follow a good high school text, then follow up IMMEDIATELY with CLEP studying (as described on this forum), they can take the CLEP easily. We avoid the govt. community or state colleges and go to Strayer because they are so accomodating and non-judging.

If you want to take advantage of the speed reading and memory skills, just order the College in a Bag set from College Plus for $250. Everything they will teach you is in there and most of it is on CD roms and easy to follow. You just have to take the time to learn the skills - the same whether you pay for the coaching or not.

Then just CLEP through as many match ups as you can as you finish High School courses. By then you should have a sizeable number of credits and can possibly do College Plus for one year to finish up! (or not - you may figure it's not necessary by then!)

[LatinTea]

Yes, I know you are right. I wish I had known about CLEPs earlier (or taken it more seriously) for my son. He would have even more by now, but since he's got quite a few, I won't complain. As for my dd, she is not as motivated (to put it mildly) and I was thinking that this could get her going. That would be worth it to me to pay the $800 (we have College in a Bag...got it used for $50!). Anyway, that's why I'm pondering this expenditure.

What is Strayer? I hadn't heard of that. I'll go Google it and see what I can find.

Thanks for the reply!

[CorrynNoel]

Very interesting discussion! I am a CollgePlus student and I love it. It fits me perfectly. I do agree that CollgePlus isn’t for everyone. It is geared toward Christian homeschoolers.

I have been homeschooled my whole life. I started CollegePlus right after I turned 16. I will be finishing my degree in 2 years instead of 4 and I will be graduating from highschool with a BA in college at the same time. I have never had to study for the SAT or anything like that. I’m also skipping my last 2 years of high school because college credit covers high school too. I have been very blessed with hard working parents: My mom who has given me my schooling up until CP and my dad who is the provider for my family and is paying for my degree. Paying for CP is not an issue for me thanks to my parents. With CP you are basically paying for an advisor. My mom is busy homeschooling my 3 younger siblings so CP helps a lot. A CP coach helps you decide what degree you want to get, helps you plan your schedule, provides accountability, helps you decide what order to take the CLEPs, tells you what books to study, etc. They tell you step by step exactly what to do to get your degree done in 2 years or less. They have done all their research so you don’t have the risk of accidentally making a mistake.

Not being under the influence of the secular worldview is another reason why my parents and I have chosen this form of accelerated distance learning. I am a Christian and I try to live my life according to the Bible as best as I can. Sitting in a biology classroom listening to only the evolutionist viewpoint is doing nothing for my faith (btw my parents have felt it important for me to learn both sides and I have). Then having to give them back the “right” answers which totally go against everything I believe in. Not to mention the presser from my peers can really wear me down. I get enough of the world and socialization without going to public school or traditional college.

All that to say… CollegePlus has really been an answer to prayer and a blessing in my life. (To those of you who took the time to read this, yes I am already aware that I’m one of those “confused” Christian/homeschooled weirdos ;-) )

[bonyleonie2]

Very interesting discussion! I am a CollgePlus student and I love it. It fits me perfectly. I do agree that CollgePlus isn’t for everyone. It is geared toward Christian homeschoolers.

All that to say… CollegePlus has really been an answer to prayer and a blessing in my life. (To those of you who took the time to read this, yes I am already aware that I’m one of those “confused” Christian/homeschooled weirdos ;-) )

Nice to be in your company, CorrynNoel. It is encouraging to me to hear from other like minded homeschoolers. Isn't this just the most fantastic way to get an education! I am VERY thankful to God everyday for steering us in this direction and am excited that our kids will graduate sooner WITH a degree, and sane minds.

All the best to you in your studies. You will do marvelously, I am certain.

LB hilarious