I have been taking PE and acrylic painting classes at the community College for the last two years. I started doing it to get my butt in gear after a tough time in my life. I figured that getting out of the house would help. It did, for the most part.
Toward the end of this semester, I decided that, since I have completed all of the acrylic painting classes available, I may as well try something harder. I signed up for film appreciation and California history. I put it in my brain that if I do well, I would go back to school to get my bachelor’s.
I started to look at prices for part time students and found that my first choice was $150 a unit more than my second choice. $450 a class is a lot of money that I don’t have to spend.
I emailed my second choice school to find out how to get myself back into the system after being out of classes for 25 years or so. The admissions office set up an appointment for me for a pre admissions counseling session. They asked for my unofficial transcripts. I requested the ones from when I first got my AS degree, but nothing was online at that point, so I have to wait for the transcript to be mailed. 3-4 week wait for delivery. I emailed the unofficial transcript from my current classes right away.
I went several rounds of “My AS was earned in 1995. Nothing was online at that point. I can’t have the unofficial transcripts to you by the date of the appointment. Should we reschedule?” “No, just email the unofficial transcripts and we will wait for the official transcripts.” “But I can’t get the unofficial transcripts for 3-4 weeks because they are mailing it.” “OK, just email the unofficial ones.” “I can’t, because they have to mail them.” It took almost 20 emails for the scheduler to hear me. I am waiting to hear from them when I miss the original appointment, since my transcript won’t be there yet. Sigh.
The other thing I was worried about was choosing a major. I could go for Allied Health, since I have been working in the field for so many years. But, in reality, it doesn’t really mean a lot other than I put extra time in at work. I can’t change careers, not that I plan on it, and it won’t make me eligible for a raise or promotion. So, no real reason to do that, other to say I have my Bachelor’s degree.
The other choice would be English literature. I think that is what I am going to try for. I haven’t written at that level since 1992 or so, but I have been told that it all comes back to you. I spoke with several friends and family members who either have an English degree, are writers, or are teachers. I have been informed by all of them that I write well enough for the classes. I read enough, so that won’t be an issue. It won’t be like I have to get into the habit of reading again.
When I go for my appointment with the counselor, I hope to find out about financial aid and if the classes are going to be online. I can only attend part time, so this might be an issue.
I emailed my first choice school about financial aid and the possibility of switching from an AS to a BA. I found that I get financial aid and my major of choice isn’t impacted, so, as long as I meet all the requirements, I’m accepted. I have a few more questions, but I have pretty much made my decision. Now I just need to get all of the pieces in place
bookworm at the gym 