Non-trad student question

Parent Cafe
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<p>I decided to post this in the parents forum because I think this forum will get the best response to this issue. </p>

<p>My fiance will be looking to go back to school in a few years and I was wondering what the steps we should take to get him back in the saddle. His record isn't very impressive at all, he was a typical student that did really well at a not so great high school and thus wasn't adequately prepared to do work in college. He flunked out of the University of Pittsburgh in Spring of 2002, I really don't consider it a true 'flunk' out since he could have fought it, but he took it as his chance to go home and re-group and to attend community college for a few years. He moved back home to the Philly area and attended Bucks Comm. College for about a year and a half and frankly didn't see a point in what he was doing and didn't flunk out, he did really well in the classes he attended but you obviously can't get grades for classes you don't attend.</p>

<p>He has now moved down to North Carolina with me and is working full-time trying to get out of debt and such and we will be moving next fall to wherever I get a PhD offer (hopefully Madison or Twin Cities). Because of his situation he is going to wait until he's absolutely sure about what he wants to get a degree in...he's currently thinking about either a BA in Business Administration or certification as a Radiologic Technician. This way he will be sure that he has the drive to actually complete the degree and be a studious student.</p>

<p>My question is what he should do next when the time comes? I'm almost absoluetly sure he'd have to go to a community college first, but how long do you think it would take to re-establish his name to be admitted to a reputable university? He currenlty has probably a total of around 50 credits of primarily gen. ed. requirements and obviously his SAT/GPA from high school is now pretty much obsolete.</p>

<p>Any input on this situation would be really helpful! Thanks so much in advance.</p>

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<p>Has he spoken with a guidance counselor at his CC?</p>

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<p>I'm sorry if it wasn't clear. He isn't enrolled in community college atm, just working full-time and figuring out what he wants to attain a degree in.</p>

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<p>Oph, my DW had a similar situation. Flunked out of of school (the last semester before she was supposed to graduate, no less!) before I met her. In her case, the original undergraduate university allowed people in her situation to re-establish eligibility via extension (i.e. correspondence) courses. So what happened was that she took correspondence courses with her original school until her GPA got high enough so that she regained her "good standing" status. </p>

<p>In her case, she just went ahead and completed her degree requirements with her original school (and went on to law school at a solid institution, I might add, despite her 2.00000001 GPA). But I suppose that once she was back in good standing, she could have transferred to another school just like a "normal" transfer student situation. </p>

<p>I would have him talk to a GC at both the CC and University of Pittsburgh to see what his options are. </p>

<p>I hope this helps.</p>

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<p>I would suggest that he look into going the adult education schools as many colleges have schools set up just for non-traditional adult learners (they also tend to be more forgiving with those who have had a lived life). </p>

<p>For example: if you were staying in CH, he would apply to UNC-CH partime classroom studies program:</p>

<p>*Part-time Classroom Studies (formerly Continuing Studies) is the academic program for part-time local adult students. Enrollment is limited to 8 credit hours each semester. </p>

<p>If you want to enroll part-time and you are a commuting student (a student living in this area for purposes other than attending school) and you do not have a baccalaureate degree, you may file this application. </p>

<p>Admission is limited. Students who have been away from a traditional school setting for at least one year and full-time UNC-CH faculty/staff employees are considered. Traditional students who have been denied full-time admission to the University are not admitted to Part-time Classroom Studies. *</p>

<p>He must be prepared for the fact that pretty much any grade under C is not going to be transferrable so he will lose a few credits.</p>

<p>hope this helps</p>

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<p>I am in the same position here! (3 more semesters to go!!!!)</p>

<p>I did the same -- flunked out at my first university (I was burned out and hated where my parents made me go). Then I took classes on and off, the ones I attended I got A's and B's, some I never attended -- got F's there.</p>

<p>Here is my suggestion -- </p>

<p>Attend a community college. several reasons -- it is cheaper (when you get older, money is a big issue!), the classes are a little easier and more flexible. Before he goes to take classes there, study for the placement tests -- study alot! The higher you score, the higher you place and you won't have to take a lower class that won't count.</p>

<p>Contact the local University or college that you think you will be attending. (state universities are your best bet -- cheaper, easier to get into, better at transferring classes). Find out the requirements of the degree -- make sure you know these things -- how many hours can be transferred, what are the degree requirements, both major requirements and general, what do they like to see from transfer students. Most state universities have a pretty good relationship with the local community college and can really help you set up a program. Take a good look at what credits he has and come up with a plan to complete the degree.</p>

<p>good luck!</p>

<p>stef</p>

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<p>Thank you everyone for the advice. </p>

<p>lderochi: Thanks, you really give hope that my fiance can be successful in college and career without a 3+ college GPA.</p>

<p>sybbie719: That will be something we look into when we move and he is ready to go back to school. I bet wherever I go for my PhD they will have a similar arrangement and I'll check first before I commit to a school. The 50 credit figure I gave was C or better grades.</p>

<p>hsmomstef: Congratulations! Its wonderful hearing directly from someone that was in the same situation and now successfully completing their degree. Seems like the two of you have a lot in common educationally, he did very well in the classes he attended (A's and B's) and flunked the classes he never attended. And yes, I agree that money is a big issue, I mean I won't be able to support the both of us on a graduate student's salary! Plus, he will have to work for the most part through college, so comm. college is more flexible for the working man. Oh yeah, I must tell you I think we must be kindrid spirits, I am a Stef too :-)</p>

<p>Thanks again and if anyone else has anything to add, please do!</p>

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<p>As an interested partner it is kind of you to help do the research - but the actual work and desire will need to come from him. I hope it all works out!</p>

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<p>anxiousmom: Yes, I know it should be coming from him. This is why I and he knows he's not ready to go back to school yet. And it will be him doing the research when he does make the decision. I was just curious on what general steps it would take and about how long it would take, i.e. would he be able to complete it while I complete a PhD. Thanks for the concern.</p>

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<p>Ophiolite,
I don't mean to be negative, but are you sure he actually wants to go back to college? There is a really big difference in your motivation and accomplishments, and it might be a little intimidating in light of your extensive success. As you mentioned, he is not ready to go back, and may never be. Would that be okay with you? I would not make a life-long commitment based upon what might happen and what he might eventually become. You must be ready to accept him exactly as he is.</p>

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<p>lkf725: He knows I have no problem if he decides not to go to school in the future. I don't have a superiority complex just because I may have a spouse with less formal education than myself. Some (or most) of the greatest minds that this world has produced has been those without formal education and thus without degrees. My parents may have something different to say about it, they dislike him strongly because of his shortcomings and my family has said numerous times that I should move on and be with someone that, for a lack of a better term has more 'prestige'. He knows this, we've had lots of heart to hearts about it and its something he has said he wants to do in the future for himself (which is the only way it will get accomplished). I do love him for what he is, he's a very well self-educated individual that can do anything he puts his mind to, or nothing if he doesn't see the need. All I want is for him to be happy and have the opportunity to try anything he wants to now and in the future.</p>

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<p>A couple things that are redflags for me</p>

<p>he is going to wait until he's absolutely sure about what he wants to get a degree in...he's currently thinking about either a BA in Business Administration or certification as a Radiologic Technician</p>

<p>One- college is not necessarily about "getting a degree that is job applicable" if that is what he is interested in- I would recommend a community college that has course offerings toward work skills- like a radiological tech- incidentally very different from a BA in business</p>

<p>Some (or most) of the greatest minds that this world has produced has been those without formal education and thus without degrees</p>

<p>THe life of the mind is great- but someone can also make a good living- be very challenged and fulfilled doing something that doesn't require college. How would you feel if he decided to never go back to college- and be a tech or a auto mechanic?</p>

<p>Parents may have something different to say about it, they dislike him strongly because of his shortcomings and my family has said numerous times that I should move on and be with someone that...
Dont discount family discord. My husbands family still can't stand me, and the lack of support and interest has contributed to a lot of difficulty. I won't change just to make my inlaws happy- and I hope your fiance isn't using your parents as his motivation.</p>

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<p>I meant no offense to anyone. I was just giving some advice from my little corner of the universe. Having been married for many years, I can definitely say that you must love a person for who and what they are and do not count on changing them. Also, I have noticed that people with widely varying amounts of ambition (not necessarily different amounts of education!) have a difficult time in the long run because their goals and aspirations are so different.</p>

<p>Good luck to you both for a happy and fulfilling future!</p>

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<p>emeraldkity4: </p>

<p>"One- college is not necessarily about "getting a degree that is job applicable" if that is what he is interested in- I would recommend a community college that has course offerings toward work skills- like a radiological tech- incidentally very different from a BA in business"</p>

<p>Yes, in a lot of cases it's not about getting a degree that is job applicable (this is a short-coming of higher education imho). However, he is not thinking about getting a degree in history or political science or something that requires an advanced degree for occupational succes related to the degree. </p>

<p>He would be going to a University to get a business administration degree in order to work his way up in the business world or start his own computer consulting buisness. He is very talented in computer trouble-shooting, networking, and repair. It is very difficult to get decent jobs today without a degree, especially with computer-based applications which will throw out any applicant (though likely qualified) without a bachelors.</p>

<p>The more down to earth choice would be getting the Radiologic Technician certification. There is a lot of demand for this career field and has great pay. However, he is unsure he would be happy with this avenue, or if he could handle the anatomy and biology that is necessary. </p>

<p>I understand these appear to be different objectives, but they both have a unifying characteristic: computers/technology. </p>

<p>Another option for him is to get CISCO certified or one complete of the other numerous computer certification programs available out there. However, I'm not an expert on any of these programs and from what he says, it varies across the country how much value is placed on these certifications towards employment.</p>

<p>"THe life of the mind is great- but someone can also make a good living- be very challenged and fulfilled doing something that doesn't require college. How would you feel if he decided to never go back to college- and be a tech or a auto mechanic?"</p>

<p>I would have absolutely no problem what he does with his life, just as long as he is fulfilled and happy. The problem is that he is not fulfilled by what he is doing right now. He finds it boring, repetative and not challenging. This is why he is going to need a change sometime down the road, whether it be college, comm. college, trade school, etc.</p>

<p>He regards my career in the same light. Yes, he'd like me to take a job with an oil company after my MS, but he also knows I have to keep my options open for PhD opportunities and such.</p>

<p>"Dont discount family discord. My husbands family still can't stand me, and the lack of support and interest has contributed to a lot of difficulty. I won't change just to make my inlaws happy- and I hope your fiance isn't using your parents as his motivation."</p>

<p>He would never use my family as motivation. He's not into doing stuff for the sole purpose of pleasing others, he does it to please himself. I on the other hand did all I could to please his family. After 5 years of dating his dad finally accpeted that I wasn't the root of all of his problems. In retrospect it was stupid for me to go above and beyond to gain respect, but that's not a problem for my fiance.</p>

<p>Yes, I know this will be a big problem in the long run, but I hope my parents will forgive him in the future. It has been an ongoing problem for generations, my family isolating members, I can now see how it occurs and to tell you the truth, I don't care. Maybe that will change, but I know my parents love me and will repsect any decision I make.</p>

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<p>lkf725: Hehe I know you didn't mean any offense, I was just explaining the history a little bit more. I know you can't change people, my parents were both married once before for those reasons, and obviously both ended in failure.</p>

<p>I guess the reason I felt I needed to explain is that a lot of people that frequent these forums are elitists and I wanted to make it clear that I am not one of them.</p>

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<p>I definitely second the idea of going to speak with some one at the local CC. My mother has been an instructor at a community college for years and she gets a lot of students in your spouse's situation. For one reason or another they were unable to finish their degree the first time around. An admissions counselor at the CC would probably also be able to answer all of your questions. You'll probably be surprised to find how common these "uncommon" students are these days.</p>

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<p>ophiolite
you are very wise to consult the parents ;)
community colleges are a great resource
I know many people who are changing careers and taking CC classes to save time and money when they transfer to university ( these are people who already have at least one degree)
Others haven't been able to get the kind of work they are interested in with their degree, and are getting training in more vocational track classes-
Cisco certification is very valuable- as is any sort of computer training no matter what field you are in.
However- that is something to be very inquisitive about
Some schools, dont' have updated courses/teaching, and it would make some one crazy to spend two years in a computer tech program only to find out that it was outdated before they started.
The computer classes at the CC where I worked, had that reputation.
Best bet would be to get minimal training, and have your employer help you with training. at least ask the employers where they recommend/do their hiring
best wishes to you
so are you coming right out of college or have you been in the work force?
My daughter is kinda thinking about grad school, but hard to do and work on her thesis at the same time I think.</p>

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<p>Thank you everyone for all of the good wishes and advice. </p>

<p>emeraldkity4: I went straight on from undergrad. I had an idea of what I wanted to do and it required at least a MS. It really depends on the field whether or not its a smart thing to go straight after or wait and work a few years and then go back. About half of my peers went straight on (with most starting college on the late side) and about half worked for a few years and then decided to go on for the MS. Please PM me if you want to discuss this further.</p>

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<p>The Twin Cities has a good assortment of excellent technical and community colleges. Madison has MATC. Your fiance will have some very good options if you end up at Madison or UofM.</p>