No gratification?

[Griffin]

I'm not taking any courses simply because I haven't the time to do so in addition to studying on my own for the CLEPs.

If you are finding some of the study to be thin, I'd suggest mixing it up with semesters where you take classes. Two classes in a semester is doable, then take the next semester (or summer) to test. You can also test out of your non-major classes (about 90cr) or test out of your first four semesters (60cr), then take the rest as classes. There's no need to test out of everything under the sun. Also remember that you will have to take the LSAT, so it's a better idea to really absorb subjects that will be used a lot there.

My warning is not to become obsessed with "efficiency" -- that can lead you to take on more than you can handle. Don't flame out for the sake of the idea that you should complete a four-year degree in a year. GPA is important and you don't want to be mega-stressed during the admissions process either.

I disagree that the "real" learning happens at the grad level. Yes you learn more about your chosen area in grad school, substantially more than you could learn as an undergrad. But you learn about a wider variety of topics as an undergrad, and many people learn enough to change their chosen career (which is no small thing).

[cookderosa]

I'm not taking any courses simply because I haven't the time to do so in addition to studying on my own for the CLEPs. (I work roughly 55-65 hours a week managing a large company outside Boston and have a wife and little one)
I'm getting the degree solely for the purpose of going to law school, so I hear what you're saying on the "real" learning happening at grad level, its likely most of this BA test/coursework will be useless to the greater goal other than for the transcript anyway..
I appreciate the responses from all though, it helps to hear from those who've been there, done that! I guess its just the reality of the way its gonna feel when I'm taking 4 tests a month and jamming so much learning into short timeframes.

>>

Respectfully, if you can't find time to take an undergraduate intro course, how will you find time for law school? I'm not challenging you, I'm just suggesting that the time and efforts you put in are always within your own control.

Also, for someone with graduate plans, I will tell you that one aspect of undergraduate learning via testing that will be deficient is writing. Testing, of course, doesn't require writing. I do believe that for many people, filling the gap is pretty easy, however, it's worth pointing out that having your written work critiqued by academic types is a "whole 'nother thing" that you may want to include in your law school preparation.

Since you are near Boston, I'd suggest taking a course through Harvard's Extension. The credit can be used toward your COSC degree if you choose. I think you'll certainly get some gratification by having some of the brightest people in academia provide feedback- I know I did. They have classes online too. Harvard Home LOL, and you'll do lots of writing

[betch]

Well, I would have time to take undergrad courses, IF I weren't on a self-imposed "schedule" with the CLEPs. Let me be clear, I'm not bemoaning the fact that theres no actual coursework here, my original post was simply to ask if I'm the only one who feels somewhat unfulfilled by the process.
On law school- I will initially attempt to do my current job while going part-time (Tues and Thu nights and Sat mornings), but I have a "backup" job available that requires less time and effort than the one I currently have should it be a big issue(of course the wage reflects that, so its option #2).
I dont have any aspirations or delusions of going to a Tier 1 school or the like, but I have local options that are very attainable and I have a job waiting for me when I pass the bar so school prestige is not a factor.
@cookderosa-thanks I will def check out the Harvard info
@Griffin-In my "schedule", I have a month off from CLEP/DSST testing/studies prior to when I have the LSAT.

[Griffin]

Well, I would have time to take undergrad courses, IF I weren't on a self-imposed "schedule" with the CLEPs. Let me be clear, I'm not bemoaning the fact that theres no actual coursework here, my original post was simply to ask if I'm the only one who feels somewhat unfulfilled by the process.

My point was that it's a schedule imposed by you. If you need a month off from school, you simply take it. No one is forcing you to have this done in a year. You run a business, so you aren't looking at "get a degree or walk" unlike some people who are here.

I say this as someone who runs a service-based business: Speed for its own sake will lead to problems, whether it's lack of time for your friends/family/business, reduced retention or simple stress.

Also, prestige may not be a factor, but be sure that you obtain the skills to diversify within your field.

I suspect there is something major that you aren't telling us, because you follow up everything by modifying your "position" in vague, slight ways. You claim you don't have time because you are on a tight CLEP schedule, ignoring that this aspect of your time is wholly controlled by your own desires and actions. If you need more time to have fulfillment, then take the time to attend a class at Harvard or another school.

PS: Don't forget that you need to take time out to investigate the Law admissions process carefully and adjust your actions accordingly. GPA is key here, and it's not something you will get from a CLEP exam.

[Griffin]

To answer your original question, no, some people do feel less fulfilled, especially people who are given the "degree or lose your job" options. Very few people are forcing themselves into such an arduous schedule like you are. Some people do get their degree in a year, but I see a lot of people that do it that way have substantial family support and aren't working crazy hours. Some are retired or semi-retired. Some have extensive experience in the field they're studying. It's also pretty rare for people to test out of their entire degree.

And definitely take a full pre-test before finalizing how much time you will need to study. Most law programs suggest at least 50 hours, but some people will need much more than that to get a competitive score.

[skyfall123]

I say this as someone who runs a service-based business: Speed for its own sake will lead to problems, whether it's lack of time for your friends/family/business, reduced retention or simple stress.

Great point Griffin

I guess its just the reality of the way its gonna feel when I'm taking 4 tests a month and jamming so much learning into short time frames.

Maybe you should think of it as a form of mental exercise in preparation for your new career. Don't lawyers absorb voluminous amounts of information in short time frames?

[betch]

@Griffin-I'd like to point out that I clearly stated that I am on a "self-imposed" schedule, so I couldnt possibly be "ignoring that this aspect of my time is controlled by my own desires and actions" I'm well aware of what I am doing and the level of stress etc that I am subjecting myself to. I dont have a problem with it, I accept it and embrace it.

I also never said that I was using only CLEPs for the degree!

My question was simply, does anyone else feel unfulfilled by the process? I was just wondering if its a common feeling, if you get used to it, if it goes away, etc.

And would it ease your apparent concerns if I were to let you know that I'm well aware of the LSAT content, pre-law relevant coursework, and the admissions process? I didn't exactly wake up one day and decide to do this, there's a heck of a lot more to it than that. I'm not asking for tips on my career path.

I'm also thoroughly baffled by your suspicion that there is "something major" I'm not telling you..is there some mystery to solve here? And how have I modified my "position"? I asked a simple question!

[Griffin]

I also never said that I was using only CLEPs for the degree!

My question was simply, does anyone else feel unfulfilled by the process? I was just wondering if its a common feeling, if you get used to it, if it goes away, etc.

Remember that we only know what you tell us.

The lack of fulfillment, I find, is stress-related and goes away pretty quickly. My solution was to take classes.

And you would be surprised the number of people who (literally) know nothing about a field and just wander around with a vague notion of becoming a lawyer/doctor/whatever. Sadly some people only take the time to get informed later, when they could have saved themselves a lot of time and money.

All you mentioned was that if you had a law degree, you'd have a job right now. Not love of Tucker Max, not love of lawyer jokes. I emphasize barriers to entry because so many people just aren't aware of the difficulty involved in applying for a doctoral program.

[betch]

Ah, I see where you're coming from re:barriers\expectations etc. I can appreciate that.

I had wondered myself if it was stress related, I'm actually glad to hear someone else thinks so!

[Griffin]

Ah, I see where you're coming from re:barriers\expectations etc. I can appreciate that.

I had wondered myself if it was stress related, I'm actually glad to hear someone else thinks so!

Oh yeah, for me it is mostly stress. I run a business, so the stress curve is crazy. But when there is less stress or less to do, I study more. The tradeoff for me is doing less business when I start class this summer, and taking two classes per quarter so I can hammer out exams with minimal stress. This also takes care of the number of classes I need to have graded and impacting my GPA (which is important for my grad apps).