Getting the run around from local colleges

[davewill]

I learned from watching my son apply to an MBA program that one shouldn't make assumptions about what one will need to get in somewhere. He wanted to go to the local state college's MBA program, but was convinced he needed to spend a summer prepping for the GMAT and wait a year to apply. I convinced him to apply immediately and take the GMAT on a just couple of weeks prep. Worst case scenario, he doesn't get accepted and he can spend the summer prepping for a better score. Sure enough, six weeks later he was accepted.

I definitely would not delay applying to schools in order to fill some perceived need. I also wonder whether taking a bunch of extra coursework would really be that helpful. If the associate's is useful to your career or motivation, then go ahead and get it. If you're just doing it to "help" with admissions, I'd say just move forward with the bachelor's in a timely manner. It's really hard to recoup lost time.