Colorado Technical University-Online Top Questions

Don't go into college thinking it's just some big party like what your cousins did. Focus harder and don't pinpoint exactly what you want your career to be just yet. Pick something broader in the meantime until you're positive with what you want. Find an online scchool like Colorado Tech, because we both know you learn better on your own. You're too smart to just sit at home, get your degree. A Master's degree won't learn itself, you have to work for it and show the world what you can do. There may be a few hiccups along the way, bad situations that even though they hurt, you still wouldn't change them. Those hiccups will help you and show you that this is possible and that college in this economy is more important now than it ever was before.

I would say that transition can be very difficult. You should not load yourself down with all hard classes the first semester n college. Take a fun class or two. It will give you elective credits and some down time to enjoy classes. Give yourself a time to adjust before taking a semester of core classes. While studying is very important don’t overwork yourself. It is very important to remember stay in touch with your family and friends back home but also make new friends. Remember to pack your favorite snacks in case you cannot find them around campus. Your favorite pictures and bear will help you when you start feeling homesick so don’t leave them behind. Schedule, schedule, schedule buy a student planner. Write due dates down. Never leave things until the last night it is too stressful. Above all remember this is a new and exciting chapter in your life. Take it one day at a time and remember there are many people there to help you to succeed. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and use study partners and groups if you have to. Good luck I know you will do great.

My advice to myself If I could go back to school as a senior is to continue to make goals and you will achieve them. After high school the transition to college can be easy because of your hard work in high school. College is similar because you have assignments that have dealines. If you can graduate high school then you can also graduate college.

I would tell myself to not attend an online university for my undergraduate degree. The Pell grants are not enough to cover the cost of the undergraduate degree when going to school online. So attend a local community college and let the Pell grants cover the cost of the degree. Wait to use the student loans for your graduate degree when Pell grants are no longer available. You will find yourself in more debt then you can handle paying back if you use loans for your undergraduate degree at an expensive online school. This can create a hardship when you find yourself married with three kids and trying to complete your graduate studies and you are almost maxed on your lifetime borrowing amount in Stafford loans.

I would not doubt myself. I would have built up more esteem, so that I would realize this was attainable for me. I would have gone either directly from highschool, or soon after that. Also at the time I graduated (1965) the basic grant system was not into effect yet, and my parents just couldn't afford it.

The advice I would give to myself as a high school senior giving what I know now about college life and making the transition, is I would tell myself to attend college immediately after high school. At that time, I did not think I would ever go to college and my main goal at that time was to be a mom and start a family. Which I did, since I have been married for 25 years and four daughters. I am forty-four years old and have approimately a year and half until I earn a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. I would also tell my high school senior self not to talk negatively to myself and to not doubt my intelligence. I had a rough childhood and I believe that is why I doubted my intelligence in the first place. However, I am very intelligent and I would remind myself that I am survivor!

You know that dream you had in highschool? To go to college, to make something of yourself? Don't attend CTU, it will be the worst decision of your life. If you want to attend college, start now, apply for scholorships, grants, and on campus colleges, don't wait till you graduate. If you want to lead a good life and not worry about your future, start now. Focus on your grades, social relationships, don't let your freindships die like you did, keep in shape and study hard, practice math and stay away from doing what you did to mess up your future so badly. When you are about to do something stupid, remember that it will impact your future and your childrens future and anyone who has anything to do with you. Ultimately, if you're going to be going to college, do your research and find the best one! Work on improving your grades now so that you will be eligible for more scholorships and grants so you can get a free ride and really make a difference in the world. Start volenteering, don't wait till you're 20, start giving back to your community now.

Basically, I would work as hard as I can to get a good GPA and SAT score. Transition from high school to university is tough and needs a lot of work and being more organized. I would have tried to improve my GPA in high school to go to a good school directly instead of going to a community college then transferring, which is what I am doing right now. Luckily I got accepted at Penn State Erie and will start to attend there in the fall of 2014. I would really appreciate a scholarship because frankly it will be really hard for me to cover the tuition fees each semester.

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self, I would pull her aside and tell her all about the world. I would tell her how she is going to have some tough times ahead but those tough times will shape her and evolve her self-awareness. I would tell her that she is going to start and stop college many times and go through several different jobs until she finally finds herself as a medical assistant. I will tell her that while she likes this job, she will soon realize that it is not what calls to her, I will tell her that at this point in her life she needs to look at computer programming. I will tell her all of the hardships that she has struggled through has not been in vain and that those hardships were shaping her character and given her the dedication that she will need to succeed in obtaining her college degree. I will tell her that she will be the first in her family to do this and to hold her head high, keep her heart protected and dry her tears and keep her faith.

Looking back on my life now I would have to say my biggest mistake was getting a job right after high school and not continuing my education. Going back to school 10 years after graduating has been a great experience to me and is giving me a chance to earn a professional degree to help myself grown personally and professionally. I can only imagine where I would be now, if I had continued my education earlier in life. Also going to an online class was a little difficult at first, but with work and personal life a brick and mortar college was out of the question. I would have liked to gone to a traditional school immediately after graduating school, mainly to have the experiences of physical classmates. Also I would have to tell myself to study more in math class and less messing around, and maybe a few stocks to invest in wouldn’t hurt…

The biggest thing I would tell someone going to college is being very aware of the financial aid limits allowed for school. I was niave to this and I am now facing the dilemma of not finishing my degree due to meeting my financial aid limit. I wish I had been more aware. I also feel that the financial aid department should of been more willing to inform me that I was meeting my limit so that I could start applying for scholarships much sooner.

As much as I have gotten out of my formal education, my advice to myself would be that life is going to be rocky and scary but I will come out ahead and have five beautiful children along the way! I admit that my life would have been much easier had I pursued a college education right after high school but I wouldn't have my children because I would have chosen a different path and I wouldn't trade them for the world! I have attended college with three of my five children and that has made the experience so much more gratifying than if I had just gone alone.

Hey kid! Look at you. You're smart. You volunteer. You perform, and you effortlessly get great grades in all your classes. I have something to tell you. It's not going to be so easy anymore. You need to cut back on all the extra curricular activities and learn how to STUDY. Those Early College courses were nothing as you took them only one or two at a time. Imagine how much time it's going to take to Ace those things taking 6 at a time? Imagine that many classes, and having to go through them in half the time too. It really is twice as hard. Now let me warn you about college boys. Not all of them want to get perfect grades like you do. You are cute, and they are going to want to take you out. You will enjoy the attention and the company; but watch out. Your grades will suffer too if you split your focus. So stay focused. Learn how to study. Get on-line and apply to as many scholarships as you can. Save your money. I will see you in the future as a successful Bachelor Degree holding Nurse.

I would have given myself the advice to go to a 4 year Christian or Catholic school and don't wait! It is so hard to be 40 and go back to school. There are funding concerns, time concerns, etc. that I did not have back in the day.

Take school for real! It is no joke, even though it may seem like it as a HS senior. A good HS education is what leads a person to a more successful future, in school and life in general. Hanging out with the cool group might seem right at the time, but those 'friends' are not your buds that will lead to a more successful future. The lame, nerdy people are the kinda people that will one day be your bosses or CEOs because they know what it takes, and they are doing it, even though it don't seem cool at all. All together, take school for real, visit the libraries, use the internet to research interesting topics in life, work together to finish assignments, and get involved with an extracurricular activity, whether it is band, the choir, basketball, football, baseball, whatever. That extra curricular activity will help you keep your head straight and focused on your schoolwork, and the future in general.

If I could go back to my senior year in high school to talk to myself, I would definetly say "the harder you work now the better off you are. Slacking is not allowed expecially with such a fast passed program that is held at CTU. Just take one step at a time and take every new wonderful experince with a whole hearted welcoming it'll make things easier on you." I say these things to myself now only because highschool was a wonderful oportunity that i as many took for advantage, but I am glad i did.

I would tell myself to relax and be happy because I will like college a lot more than high school . I would give myself many different tips. One of my tips would be to always log in the your current college's website and check your e-mail everyday! Another tip I would give myself is, always talk to an advisor and tell them everything you are concerned about. The last tip I would give myself is, always do exactly what your instructor tells you to do. In college, the amount of work you put in and how you do the work is very depenedent on the certain individual. It becomes easy to not do certain assignments because you are not required to do them because they are just reccomended. The only way I can succedd in a class is if I do everything the instructor assigns. The last thing I would tell myself is to be excited because you are going to love what you learn in college and how you are taught it.

Young Nathan sits at the steps of A.C. Davis High when older Nathan appears next to him smiling and says, "Do exactly what you are going to do. You are going to make some mistakes and you are going to regret alot of them right away. Some of your mistakes you won't regret until later. But every mistake you make will make you a stronger and smarter man. So go be young and foolish. Just please remeber that you are going to have to live in your body for a long time." Older Nathan turns away from young Nathan and starts to walk away, he hasitates. "One more thing, Be really careful choosing your tattoos," he says with a smirk over is shoulder and walks back into the present.

I would tell myshelf to wait on getting married and having kids, and not not to wait so long to go to college. You miss out on a lot of what college is all about. Thank you

Derek, I’m you from the future. I not allowed to talk to myself from other time periods. I’m just going to give you a brief heads up about the college life and leave. This is the perfect way for you to get a crash course of independence and responsibility. Always remember, work now and play later. Always stay alert of assignment due dates and financial aid deadlines. Explore your career goals early. If there's a different degree you want to pursue you can change your major at anytime. I encourage you to study abroad. Get in good and participate in internships with companies related to your career goals. Keep open communications with your professors and academic advisor so you stay updated on your academic status. Now, let’s talk about the “play”. Join social clubs that you’re interested in and explore the different recreational centers. Go to the different social events. Go out of your comfort zone to make friends with people outside of your culture, religion, ethnicity, and social background. This allows you to discover new interests and hobbies you would have never known. Remember, the more people you know, the stronger your social network.

I am a mother with three children and two of those children have ASD Autism Spectral Disorder. I also work part time for my father’s company plus go to school full-time earning a “A-“ GPA (3.6 roughly). I go to class every day and turn in all assignments in on time. And if any of my fellow students are having problems I am the one who usually helps them out. And if I happen not to know the answer I will help them find the answer. This school has allowed me the time to get valuable education and still take care of my kids. The main reason for me to go back to school has been to get a better paying job so that I can help support my family and get the therapy that my two sons need because of their disability.

An education is something that is not to be taken lightly. With out a good education you are likely to struggle in life, not in just paying the bills, but in self esteem. College is a great way to make valueable friends and contacts that may help you in the future. these are people that you may meet in the business world. Some of these experiences will follow you thru out your life time. College is not to be taken lightly, it is an adventure to be pursued by all. I am a 42 year old widow who stuggled for over 10 years to put 4 kids thru school and to make sure that they did graduate High School and now they are understanding the importance of going to College, to complete the cycle of their schooling so that they do not struggle in life as I did to provide for them. The sooner the better, and not too wait.

Going back to school has made me realize that life could have been easier had I done this sooner. All my life I never thought I could make good grades in college so I never tried. I have learned that there is so much more that I need to learn and see by going to college as I am a disabled, dislocated worker now, so I need it more than ever. Going back to school has made me realize there are so many other things that I can do and also has taught me about diversity and ethics. I thought I understood these things but somehow I lost my way and now I feel college is putting me back on track so I can start saving for my future. I am looking forward to earning my degree and sharing my experiences with others along the way. I also feel this will make me a better mother and certainly a better employee. My wish is for everyone to have this opportunity and as a student, I believe this learning experience will allow me to help others now and in the future, including my own children who struggle everyday.

I once attended and dropped out due to bad friends. But have met someone now that makes me want to get my degree. College is a experience that not many try for, or go to. I did once and regret what happened. Now I wish to make ammends, and get my degree.

I think the most important thing that I have gotten out of going to college so far is that an education is important. This trite statement applies to me in more ways than I initially thought. I'm an autodidact so college is not the only way I learn. I do enjoy going to class online and writing most of my papers. I have learned that triumphing over the more difficult assignments has made me a stronger student. I plan to use my college education to better my family and then to better my community by providing refurbished computers to low income families. I can only achieve these two goals by attending class. Another aspect of college has been that my fellow students have similar struggles as I do. So, there is a feeling of not being alone. Attending has helped me heal emotionally and mentally, as I was very depressed prior to starting. I have gained so much from college that I wish I had went sooner in life. I know I will be a much stronger person when I graduate, and that is what college is all about.

What I get how of college is information that I will need to further my future in the job that I have now. I will be able to climb the ladder of sucess and at the same time be able to give my family the kind of life they deserve. Before my Mother pasted away, I made a promise to her.....I promised that I would complete college and go on to become someone she knew she would be proud of and that is what I entend to do!

It was a huge decision to go back to school after ten years being a single mother of two while working two full time jobs. CTU is valuable to me and allowed me to weigh out my options for a brighter future. I’ve studied hard, remained focused, and give my classes the dedicated time required to maintain a 4.0 GPA. They have refreshed prior knowledge and taught me a lot of useful techniques and numerous skills that I use every day. I have been able to improve my overall performance, customer service and professional behaviors. I use skills I've learned to improve the total experience of customers that I come in contact with. CTU has been a huge asset to my life already and very beneficial. This college experience has been awesome I plan to keep practicing these skills everyday to build a stronger platform for me personally before stepping into the real career world once I finish my masters’ degree. I plan to demonstrate my love and passion as a Crime Scene Investigator. CTU will give me the ability to protect, serve and do everything in my power to catch any criminal that steps my path.

It has been extremely valuable to attend because it has allowed me time and experience to be able to honestly say what I want to do with my life. I have previously persued two other majors and have been able to learn from those and know that I am now able to start the major that I truly want. I have had jobs in different areas and have gained experience I can keep with me throughout my life. I am very well rounded and diverse because of my schooling, and have made friendships that will continue to last because of the challenges we shared together during school.

Thus far, I haven't really gotten much from my experience. I did not like the other University I had attended as I was basically paying out the nose for an education that I was having to teach myself. Therefore, at the moment, I have basically gotten into more debt for nothing. Am hoping that the new school will make me better and that I will learn a whole lot more. I know that this new school has a lot more offerings for assistance, which is great. Am very much looking forward to finally finishing, been way too long a wait.

First I need to say that I enrolled in college at the age of 47!! I never in my days thought that I would see a classroom again. But when I lost my job of 6 years in 2008, and the economy in my hometown was failing, I felt I needed to do something in order to be able to get a great new career. That was two years ago. I have earned my AS in Criminal Justice and graduated with honors. I am now pursuing my BS in the same field and am so very happy I made this choice. I have learned so much about myself and discovered many things I didn't know I could do. I am maintaining a GPA over 3.9 and and am looking forward to continuing with my education as far as I can go. In the short time since I received my degree, I have had so many more opportunities open up to me and if I hadn't gone back to school, none of this would be possible!

I have gotten a lot out of my college experiece. I have learned many new things and are able to apply these new things to the community to make it a better place to live in. Attending college has not only has given me an education, but also confidence to succeed in the community. I feel like a better and better person as I attend college over the years. Going to college makes you more responsible for your actions because if you don't do something, it's your money and you're the one who has to try to catch up and that's not a good feeling. With this, college prepares you for the "big" world and makes you responsible for your actions. This has helped me tremendously as I am able to understand that this is my life and I am the only one whos going to choose where it goes and how I do it. It can either be done the hard way (no education) or a much more simple and relaxed way (having an education) with the confidence to succeed!

I learned a lot from my online colleges. I had a great experience learning from others.

I have had the experience of attending college and a traditional university as well as online. It has taught me more about how self-motivated I am. I have also learned how good it feels to acheive such an accomplishment. I am the first in my family to attend college, let alone receive a degree. It shows how much one can achieve regardless of where you came from. Being on my own since I was 15, most would think that the odds were against me. It motivated me to work that much harder and make a better life for myself. With further education, anything is possible. Continuining school for my MBA will help me to achieve the career goals I hope for, as well as enhancing my personal life through knowledge, discipline, self-motivation and financial stability. My college experience has showed me that there is more to life than just settling. I have also improved my self esteem knowing that I am worth something, and have accomplished something that not everyone has the will or desire to do. Hard work pays off, and you must keep your nose to the grind stone if you plan on bettering yourself.

Having two children early out of high school, I was unable to make time for a higher education; however, since my children are still rather young, and I have worked steadily to support them thus far, I would like to begin exploring ways to further my education. My children and I have faced many hardships and the lack of finances continuously causes a struggle, but as their mother, I want to present an admirable example of how to overcome obstacles with persistence, an excellent drive for education, and high goals for the future. I want to show my boys that with a little hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

The experiences that I've had at college have been varied and diverse. The greatest single idea that I walk away with is, the simple fact that; I am my greatest advocate. It is through my perseverance and diligence that I can look back on the learning experience and say, with some gratification, that I accomplished what I set out to do.

I will not start my classes until April, but so far it has been wellinformative and the staff has worked will with all my questions.

I have just gotten started, but I can see the window of opportunity opening up for me. I never knew how to properly use a computer and I am being taught to use Word and Excel and I am excited about that. There are so many things we can learn with the knowledge that is out there if we are willing to open uorselves to it. I have chosen to do this when I am 45 because nothing was really changing for me in the Cosmetology world. I have a curiousity to know more. I just never thought I could do this until I began to talk to someone at this University. I know I have the resources now to make this happen. Thank you very much for offering something like this for people who need help.

When I decided to go back to college to receive my degree, I was scared and nervous after 20 years of working in the "real" world and going back to such a structured environment, yet I found that it was not any different than what I had already been doing with work. My college experience has been good for me. It has helped me to meet new people, and learn some things that I did not understand living in the real world with my career. Having the experience is good, yet having the book knowledge in what I chose as a career helps one to achieve better things in life and career. In todays society many companies do not like to hire without having someone who has attended college to learn the basics. With someone who has worked all their life, this helps them to learn the correct etiquette along with procedures to create a better environment. Knowledge is power!!!

My college experience is fairly new . I began my courses with Colorado Technical University Online, on January 3, 2010. I was laid off from my job in December 2009, and I found it was necessary to update my skills to be able to fit into this ever changing world of technology. I am 54 years old and have been out of school since 1973. For thirty six years, I have carried the same fears I had developed in high school and did not want to go and sit in a traditional classroom. With very little knowledge of the computer I was very skeptical, if being an online learner was the right way for me. Needless to say, less than five weeks into the introductory course; I now know what a Virtual Campus is and how to get around comfortably in it. I have discovered I am a "visual linguistic" learner, a person who needs to see, read or write information in order to understand it. I even learned how to put together a Power Point Presentation. I can confidently say, my college experience has been WONDERFUL! ( Just imagine what I will be able to accomplish in two years.) CTU Rocks!

Knowing what I know now about college life, I would want to tell my high school senior self apply for all the financial aid possible. College tuition is not cheap and although school loans can be helpful, they should not be the sole source of funding your education. Look for scholarships and grants long before graduation. The less money you have to pay back, the better. After you start attending the college of your choice, don't quit no matter how hard life gets. Once you stop attending college for any extended amount of time, it is very hard to go back. If at all possible do not let anything stand in your way of staying on track to obtaining a degree. If you choose to get married while in college, don't let that stop you from continuing on with your education. It won't be easy to be married and continueing your education at the same time, especially while working. But your perseverance will be worth it in the end.

If I could go back and talk to myself in high school, I would tell myself to go to college right away after I graduate. I would explain how difficult it can be to go to school, work full-time, and have a social life all at the same time. I would reassure myself of all of the small anxiety's that steered me away from going off to college in the first place. The only thing I regret in my life is not going off to college after high school. I feel as though I missed out many social and emotional experiences that would've caused me to grow stronger in many different ways. I would also tell myself to chose a college that is rated high academically, and try not to focus on where all of my friends are going to college. Lastly, I would let myself know that most companies require their associates to have a college degree. It would be in my best interest to get it started early and finish in a timely manner.

Being that I'm 29, married with 3 children, I would tell myself how important it is to go to college as soon as possible and finish what I start. I would tell myself to think about my future and how better off my family will be if I get my degree now to help pave the way for a better job to better support my family. The only regret in my life is not getting my degree sooner. I would stress to myself to think about my priorities and how they will change as I grow in to an adult, where it's very important to have a degree to get a good job. I would also tell myself that the transition into college now is alot easier than it will be later. Easier because of the growing responsibilities of having a family not to mention the academics are fresher in mind.

Get all your college done earlier!

Do not stress out about life, it will figure itself out. However, here are some words of advise for you when making the transition to college. Know what you want from the college you plan to attend. Look into a college's atmosphere, would you feel comfortable learning in an environment where the student body is known to party all the time? That would not be a healthy environment to work towards your future. Besides the student body, find yourself teachers that will dedicate, are dedicated to their profession to help you succeed. Seek and gravitate towards those you want to emulate. There lies the secret to success. Surround yourself with those that will support you, guide you, and are really concerned with the choices you make in life. The most important thing to know is: Only YOU can make those decisions. They cannot support, guide, and show concern for you if you are not willing to do those things for yourself. Be confident and make wise decisions in everything that you choose to do.

If I could talk to myself as a senior in high school I would tell her that you need to study hard and take the SAT?s. You need to go away to college, it is the best way for a person to grow up and become themselves. Know the value of a dollar, things in life are not free and never will be. Take your time in life and don?t rush yourself to start a family. Love and kids can wait until you have your career started.

Assuming that I could indeed go back and talk to myself when I was supposed to be a senior in high school, I would sit myself down and make certain to make it very clear that I should go ahead and go back to school because it would be the best thing that I could ever do for my children and myself. I would tell myself just how working through school as I wished would take my family away from the poverty that I disliked so much. I would speak of how easy it has been for me even at the age of 41 to be able to make the transition from a mother of 4 and homemaker for so many years to a full time student who is working towards a career in the medical field which is what I always wanted to do even back then. I would take the time to make myself see that the reason that I wanted to go to school in the first place was sound reasoning and I should listen to own advice more often.

First all finish school. Take your mind off the boys, think about your future, make a plan and go after it. Think about where you want to be in ten years(career,family,finanually). Think of the people I can influence around me by being the right example before their eyes, showing them the reward that comes from appling themselves in their studies and moving on to college. Realizing that no matter how hard it may seem the end results will be success, pride in yourself at your achievments. then reach out to help and encourage other young people in your community by motivating them by telling them of your own struggles, defeats, and victories.

It may seem like a long time and that you will never get through. It may seem like a lot of money and debt afterward, also. You have to look at it as temporary, just something you have to get through to get to the other side. It will be well worth it. Consider an ROTC program if you may be interested in the military. Once you are done and look back it will not be as long as you thought. It will fly by quickly and you will be on your way to start your new and exciting life. If you don't do it now you may end up looking back and wishing you had done it when you had the chance. Don't end up stuck in a life you don't want. Take the opportunity while it is there; you may not have this chance again. Get yourself off to a good start, with the most education and best chance you can. Don't be intimidated. Seize the opportunity. Be tough; you can make it.

During high school I was a straight A student and I thought I would sweep through college with no problems. If I could go back I would do many things different. I would go into college thinking "This is my opprotunity to show everyone I can do this on my own and finish!" I thought college was just for partying and meeting new people. Getting mixed up in this mind set, I ended up falling on my face. I got pregnant but, I stayed in college. After my son was born my mind went back to PartyPartyParty. I lost all of my scholarships and lost so many chances to better myself. Last February, I lost my fiance and reality checked in. When I realized I wasn't going to be able to live paycheck to paycheck the thought popped into my head "COLLEGE!" So, I'm back and I'm going to do it right this time. I suppose my advice is "dont give up and dont take the EASY road." What seems easy now, might cost you in the future. To the High School senior, take every opprotunity you have and make the most of it!

Don't we all wish we could go back in time. I have a teenage son who is a freshman in high school. As a mother and a returning student I would tell myself many things. The most important thing I would advise myself on is to stay in college and finish no matter what. I stopped attending college after my first son was born. I needed a job to support him but I could have stayed in school. There are a million excuses why not to go. I'm glad that I am going back to school now so I can show my children the importance of a college education. I have had to wrok very hard to support my children but if I had finished school I would have had more choices . That is the wonderful thing about education it give you options to do so many more things.