Well, I decided to go ahead a request information for schools with the psychology degree plan just to get a feel for what the process was. I requested information from somewhere around 10 schools, maybe more. Within 24 hours I heard back from 3 of them.
Now, I understand that things get busy and sometimes it takes some time getting back to people, but I especially take in to consideration the amount of time its takes for me to hear back from someone when I request information. Its been roughly 48 hours, and I have still only heard from 3 schools. Now we are into the weekend, so chances are, I won't hear anything from anyone else until Monday at the very earliest. Guess that helps me with the Top 3 list.
Another thing I am taking into consideration is the work load. How many classes would I be taking at one time? How long are those classes? What is the average required time to complete class work? Stuff like that. I want to make sure, especially since I haven't even seen school work since 2003, that I don't get into a program and become overwhelmed and end up quitting. If I look at work load, and really weigh out the options, I have no room to complain if things don't get done.
I am also looking at tuition and how they work with me using the G.I. Bill. Since I was active duty and got out on a medical discharge, I still get full benefits! I want to make sure that it will cover costs, but also be the only form of assistance I am going to need. Sometimes, because the G.I. Bill only pays out once you verify class attendance, that I won't be required to take out a loan. They should rather do a deferment plan to give those payments time to come through.
The other thing I am looking for is the required number of days per week I am required to log in. I am going to really try to make a good schedule to where I do at least 1 hour a day, but for just in case life happens, I don't want to be required to log in every day. I have 2 kids, a husband, a house and other things to do too. School is definitely going to be a top priority, but I need to make sure that what they are asking is what I can give.
So, with these requirements, my Top 3 schools is now down to 1. I believe I have chosen the school I want to attend, they have the exact course I want to take, and it seems the work load, required time, and their ability to flex through the G.I. Bill fits my needs. I will take 1 class every 5 weeks. They will work with me and using my G.I. Bill, and they only require you to log in 2 days of the week. I feel that is a pretty reasonable load for me. The enrollment counselor even spent about 3 hours on the phone with me answering questions and walking me through the process step by step. Just the friendly staff won me over.
One school was out because you do 2 classes at one and are required to log in 4 days of the week. I am sure I "could" do that, but if something happens and I can't log in 1 of those 4 days, I fail. Not something I want to risk. The other school still hasn't gotten back after the initial contact, so, they made it easy too.
I definitely wasn't expecting things to move this fast, but it feels right. I have made enough excuses to not get back in school, and my time is running out to use the G.I. Bill, so I really need to get the ball rolling. As of right now, it looks like I may be starting my first class on Sept 7th!!! YAY! It's exciting and scary all at the same time! Though, I know it will all be worth it in the end!
I have to give praise to God in giving me the strength and motivation to take these steps! I feel that bringing him back to my life has lead me to take these very large leaps and be confident doing it!!!
