In order to take classes, I had to go take the college entrance test, called the COMPASS test. It's a test to place you in the right core classes. Since I have been out of high school for 16 years and out of college for 15 years, I was very scared of how I would score. So was the lady I talked to on the phone before I got there. She wanted me to study and make sure I was prepared before I took it. I just wanted to get it done before I chickened out or thought of another excuse to put it off for another 15 years.
So, here's my scores: Mathematics
Pre-Algebra-57
Algebra -56
I was stressed over this test. I stared at those square root signs and couldn't find anything in my brain to help me out. I used to do okay in math. It was scarey that nothing came out. I placed in Intermediate Algebra which is equal to the college algebra class I took years ago at USU so I'm really not in too bad of shape. At least I don't have to go back and do the no-credit classes.
Reading
Standard Reading-98 (out of 99! SWEET!)
Writing
Standard Writing-90 (out of 99....I'll take it!)
The Advisor was so shocked. I was too. I credit my smarts to blogging. I may not come across as the brightest mom on the web but there is a little going on in my head and blogging keeps it moving. I haven't lost everything yet.
So, after that fun little outing, it was off to talk to the counselor for the 4 year program I'll transfer to after I get my associates degree. (CSI is just a two year college but BSU, ISU and U of I all bring in 4 year degrees so I can do it all here.) I was worried about my age. She reassured me that I would be the baby on the block. The average age in the program is 42 so I should do just fine. COOL! The good news is I can do almost ALL of my first two years at home here on the internet. Tomorrow I go back to finish up my financial aid and register for my classes. I'm a little scared....okay, ALOT scared!
I'm pretty excited to think that I may actually make it to this goal. I know, I haven't even started yet, BUT I'm closer now than I was last week, and I think I may have actually decided what I want to be when I grow up. Well, maybe. I guess I'm not holding my breath yet. I've been known to change my mind a time or two in the past. There's just so much I want to learn that I have no idea what to focus on. How did you pick your degree?
18 comments:
This post applies so much to me. I have been thinking of going back but I am SCARED to death to go back, what if I forgot everything I learned in school and I have to take all those Non-counting classes. I really just need to step it up and do it!=]\
Awesome! I chose to major in English because I love reading and writing. I also have a second degree (certificate) in Technical Writing and I've done some freelance editing which has helped with finances. I'd like to go back and get my master's in Library Science.
I'd so whatever your main interest is in.
I went back to college in 2001 after a 7 year break to have kids. I started out with all online classes. In my experience online classes are the hardest. The teachers give way too much busy work to make sure you are doing the reading. But, the fact that you can do the classes at home when your kids are asleep makes it worth it. I would just have to go up to the school a few times to take tests--midterms and finals. I would definitely start out with all online classes and then just go from there. I warn you though, the first semester is killer. It is hard learning how to balance all the classes and family. Also I felt like my brain had turned to mush after having babies, so it took me awhile to get my brain back on track. By the second semester, things were much better. That is just my experience. You just have to go at your own pace. I was only able to handle taking 12 credits at a time. You may find you can handle more, or you might just have to consider going part time and work your way up. GOOD LUCK and remember--how do you eat an elephant?
One Bite At A Time!! If I can do it, so can you!
That is awesome! You give me courage too- I too need to go back. I am still deciding on my degree and go back and forth all the time. Its hard! I look forward to hearing more about your schooling.
You go girl! I think it's great that you are being brave and doing what you want to do. Stick it out and you will feel so good. Good luck to you.
I am so impressed that you have set this goal! Good luck! I don't have a degree (I only went to 1 quarter of college--I did get a 4.0 GPA though!) But, I have often thought that if I were to go back to school for a college degree, besides Nail Technician, I would find something in humanities. Humanities seems to cover so much of what I am interested in...people, theater, literature, etc. Plus, my Patriarchal Blessings mentions learning about, "humanities and all things pertaining to the children of our Father in Heaven," so that kind of heads me in a specific direction...maybe yours would, too. Check it out.
This is awesome. You're at the point that I can't wait to be at. I'm a few credits away from having my assoiciates degree, but after having three babies, I dont' really feel like now is the time for me to finish. Give me a few more years and I'm on it!
I hope you do well and don't stress out too much. Oh, and take my advice, dont do them all online. Just do a class in class every now and then. It will give you time away and a refreshing new place to learn in. Then again, online classes really aren't my forte.
HOORAY!! I am so excited for you!! I just got into my program and am now stressing about my fall schedule which in no longer all online. But I know the Lord wants me to do this so there will be a way to get it done!! Need any help with anything fell free to call.
Way to go Laurie! I'm so excited for you. College is a lot of fun. I think the most I've learned from it is that I can keep on learning. Just think of it as another experience that will help you grow and it'll come. Good luck choosing a major. You're really good at interior design, organizational management, and English. I think you could write for a magazine one day. You have a way with words and helping people relate with your stories. Good luck and I know you'll choose what's best for you. Love ya!
How exciting! I dream of heading back to college some day.
Good for you for going back! I finished my degree (psychology because I have always wanted to be a counselor) 2 years ago, and have never regretted the time or money.
Good job on the test taking! I hope blogging is making me smarter too, lol.
Congrats!!! I think that is awesome that you are going back to school. Good Luck!
Finally got a chance to read this post and all I can say is...you go girl!!! Hang in there! You'll be awesome!
ooh girl... I am going to go back as well as soon as I can get my new little one off the boob.. I am going back! I have decided I want to be a respitory therapyst. I know about being scared... I haven't been out of school all that long and before I had Collin I was taking an english and math class so I am kind of getting the feel of it but now that I have two kids I don't know but you have six so you are braver than I... good luck and we can encourage each other. April
That is so awesome, it is worth it I promise!! You will never regret it!
This is excellent! I have the goal of finishing too. Someday soon, I hope! Your scores were impressive and I agree that blogging keeps our minds limber. Or at least makes up for the mush of motherhood. :)
I am so glad you are going back to school! I wish you were down here and you could take my math class! I teach students who get those scores on the compass test. If you need any help let me know!
Good luck in this endeavor. My mom went back to college when I was a senior in High school. We took some cute pictures of her in her cap and gown. :)
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