I'm thinking about switching to Excelsior

[MKRainn]

No, and I don't think it would make the claim that it's a college. If you look on their site, they offer majors, but when you follow the links it says that it offers majors primarily through Thomas Edison.

If I had to guess at the business model, I'd guess:

1) Student signs up for CollegePlus
2) Student is enrolled by CollegePlus in TESC's credit bank system
3) Student is contacted by CP for a discussion on what major the student is interested in, using TESC's list of majors
4) CP formulates a list of CLEP/DANTES/TESCE/ECE that the student would need to meet that major
5) Student is provided coaching, study material resources, and motivation from CP's advisors
6) Student ends up graduating from TESC.

It's not a bad idea, but it's borderline deceptive to "Offer Majors" on the site and give the impression that CP is an academic institution. Still, while I agree that you can find most of the information for yourself without the hefty "tuition" fees that CP requires; there are some people out there that need that motivation and someone holding their hand throughout the process.

In the end the questions are:

1) Does CP help more people reach their goals of having a college degree? - For that, I'd say yes they do.
2) Are their business practices a bit... grey? - That's a matter of personal opinion. The fact that some of their students seem to think that CP is a college itself is troubling though. (Nothing against you personally MKR)

One last question for everyone though... If CP! didn't exist, does anyone think that MKR would be as far as he is towards a college degree? That's a pretty big endorsement for CP right there.

Just food for thought.

Edit: Just realized we didn't answer MKR's question about Excelsior.. Excelsior is a regionally accredited college. You can find more information at www.excelsior.edu

Everything you said about their business model is right.

Well I'm not sure what to call them. I believe that they are in association with TESC, so....I guess they're "helpers". I know that it isn't a "real" college, but I just called them that because they're helping me get credits that I otherwise wouldn't have gotten on my own and will be transfering me over to TESC. Not to mention, they helped me figure out what I wanted to do with my life. That's something I'll always be grateful for.

Oh and I'm a she..not a he.

I'm not sure how to find the info that you're looking for, Shoto. Sorry.

[Farmerboy]

[QUOTE=Chebasaz].

If I had to guess at the business model, I'd guess:

1) Student signs up for CollegePlus
2) Student is enrolled by CollegePlus in TESC's credit bank system
3) Student is contacted by CP for a discussion on what major the student is interested in, using TESC's list of majors
4) CP formulates a list of CLEP/DANTES/TESCE/ECE that the student would need to meet that major
5) Student is provided coaching, study material resources, and motivation from CP's advisors
6) Student ends up graduating from TESC.


I went through College Plus! for one year (when it was cheaper!) and the plan that Chebasaz drew up is pretty accurate. They do offer to work with you through EC but they recommend TESC because there are fewer requirments. I think they offer good services but they are also selling information that can be had for free if you're willing to do some leg work. They are primarily a motivational institution that is designed to help high-school age students. Without them however many people would not know about this route for a college degree. They are not accredited with the CHEA or the US Dept. of Ed.

Just my two cents worth!

Farmerboy

[MKRainn]

Thank you for that.

[Chebasaz]

Oh and I'm a she..not a he.

Lol, sorry about that. :o

Not to mention, they helped me figure out what I wanted to do with my life. That's something I'll always be grateful for.

True, and it's hard to put a price on that Best of luck, and keep plugging away at those credits.

[MKRainn]

Haha it's okay.

Thanks! You too!

[bceagles]

You seem very mature for a 14 year old??

[Curdy]

MKRainn,

You're 14, already working towards college, and you know what you want to do with your life?! I am impressed...keep it up.

[MKRainn]

To BC: Thank you! Alot of people say that. Most of the credit goes to my parents.

To Curdy: Thanks also! Every bit of encouragement is appreciated!