Thoughts on a degree (GooseEgg)

[troy]

For those of you who don't want a degree, don't get one. I don't care. It will make my stand in line shorter. But, just don't try to bring the rest of the crowd down with you. Some kid will read the message and think to themselves that they will be just fine in the competitive world without one (wrong!) Ever wonder why the military requires a degree for a commision? Or why interviewers use the degree as an elimination tool? I guess the educated are just a bunch of idiots in your mind.

 

[air cowboy]

First of all let me say I thoroughly am enjoying this discussion. I only found flight info recently thanks to aopa, and I am an addict already!



Now, as a recent college grad (with highest honors), I couldn't agree with Unanswrd more, the whole college system is screwed up. It does not show intelligence and for the most part what knowledge is gained is not directly applied to life ever again. The economic loss due to wasted time and effort is unimaginable.

What can I add to this discussion that hasn't been mentioned? Unaswrd, if for no other reason, go to college because it is a blast!!! It is not the real world at all. When and where else can you meet new people, sleep in until noon, have your meals made for you, party ever night, hook up with random girls, and have a fresh schedule change ever 4 months? (almost sounds like being a pilot.... It is the best 4-7 yrs of your life! (unless you are like me and do it in 3.5 yrs, but I'll explain that later)



Where am I coming from? I never liked school but got good grades. I graduated and was like you- totally against college. I worked for 3 yrs and spent a yr traveling and working around the world (Alaska, new Zealand, Australia etc..) (Traveling is something more of us Americans should do, it teaches more than any university) Working made me realize that school was not so bad, and maybe I should go to college.



So I went to a 2 yr private school in kansas with a good aviation program for 3 semesters and got my private and inst. Then I realized after a discussion with some Allegheny pilots that I should get a 4 yr degree. So I transferred to a state school because of money and got my bs in business in an additional 4 semesters graduating summa cum laude.



Thus I got a four yr degree in 3.5 yrs (it would have been 3, but my aviation credits didn't transfer) Here's how I did it, and is important advice: I tested out of classes with CLEP. I also took an extra class each semester. I never took summer classes. And I maintained a very active social life... too active to be exact, I am currently facing criminal charges because of a innocent college prank, but that's another story on another thread. So if you have the ability, and want to take a semester worth of classes over the summers, you could get a 4 yr degree in 2 calendar years.



Goose is absolutely right - if you are older, you are considered independent, and the fed pell grant will pay for most of the costs of a state school. I was a freshmen at 22, and I think the independent age is 23, but you can find out on the FAFSA form.



Another important tidbit: I joined a C-150 club and got my hours in for MUCH cheaper than any other way. Riddle would be great, but you might end up like me and transfer due to coming to your senses and realizing how much unnecessary debt your going into.



Hope you find some of that helpful. You are way ahead of where I was at your age with doing your research and having focus and goals.



And for those of you that complain about spelling errors (lawfly etc.) get with the times.. I too don't like errors, but you need to realize that spelling is not an issue on the net. There is a time and place for correct spelling, but an internet forum does not require the time and/or effort of correct spelling. Now that I may have insulted you, lawfly I could use some advice. If I have a misdemeanor on my record would that prevent me from going to law school? How about a summary offense?

 

[bobbysamd]

Spelling

And for those of you that complain about spelling errors (lawfly etc.) get with the times.. I too don't like errors, but you need to realize that spelling is not an issue on the net. There is a time and place for correct spelling, but an internet forum does not require the time and/or effort of correct spelling . . . .

It's only your credibility, that's all. If you are sloppy about spelling, capitalization, etc., it calls into question your attention to detail, thoroughness, etc., graduating summa notwithstanding.