Beware of For-Profit Online Education: What Every New Student Should Know Before Enrolling Online

By David Ramses

This is an insider's account of the reality of the for-profit online education hoax. David Ramses reveals the quality of education available, the quality most often recieved, the reality of academic dishonesty in the online environment, the sales tactics used to lure students in, the true value of the degree, and what many employers really think of online graduates who are new to the industry. David Ramses is a recent graduate of one of the most prominent online schools in the world. This book is both a caution flag for those who are considering online education in a field they have no professional experience in, and as a source of realistic encouragement for those who feel their degree is worthless. Included are many tips for surviving the online education environment and taking responsibility for your own education.

• Language: English
• Publisher: David Ramses
• Release date: May 1, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476030074

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Beware of For-Profit Online Education: What Every New Student Should Know Before Enrolling Online

By David Ramses

Copyright 2012 David Ramses

Smashwords Edition

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Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter One: Who is Online Education For?

Chapter Two: How to Choose the Right School

Chapter Three: How to Choose the Right Degree Program

Chapter Four: Enrollment

Chapter Five: Life Adjustment

Chapter Six: Course Depth

Chapter Seven: Course Quality

Chapter Eight: Temptation to Cheat and Academic Dishonesty

Chapter Nine: Degree Factories

Chapter Ten: Financial Aid Scams

Chapter Eleven: The Learning Team or Work Group

Chapter Twelve: Technical Difficulties

Chapter Thirteen: The Right Mentality

Chapter Fourteen: Strive to Succeed

Chapter Fifteen: Never Settle

Chapter Sixteen: After Graduation

About the Author

Introduction

I am writing this book for those who are considering, or are, pursuing a college degree online. Throughout this book, I discuss several factors in the decision making process, as well as several elements of the online education process. This is both a warning about the dangers of acquiring a degree that is not recognized as valid in the professional community and advice for the potential online student. It is an interesting account for Average Joe regarding how to succeed in the overwhelming sea of marketing that is for-profit online education as well as a standardized account of what an inexperienced recent grad can expect afterwards.

I have successfully earned a Bachelor of Science online, after being steadily enrolled for over four years. I have experienced many bumps in the road along the way to completion. Now that my quest is complete, I must say it was all worth it. The value of an education cannot be measured by the venue in which it is earned. It can only be measured by the amount of effort the student puts into it. That is what this book is about, though there are many sub-issues addressed here as well.

My intention is for this book to serve as a guide for determining who should and should not go to school online, what school is best for whom, and which degree program is right for whom. Of course, I do not presume to know each individual’s circumstances, past, and needs. Therefore I will draw on my own experiences. Though there are definitely some red-flag warnings in this book, I do not intend it to be a source of discouragement. Rather, I encourage all to pursue higher education. Just make sure it is the quality education you are entitled to and the right education for your goals. I hope you enjoy it. Back to Top

Chapter One: Who is Online Education For?

Though this is a question that is mildly answered on each online portal, it is not a piece of information given during the enquiry or enrollment process. In fact, many students who generally enquire about online education are sold on the ideas of extreme financial success, less physical hard work, and a more rewarding lifestyle. This is because, regardless of laws and popular opinion, enrollment advisors and counselors are salespersons. They may not have to meet a quota, but the more students they enroll the more job security they have and the quicker they get promoted. In the for-profit industry, they are sales persons and their hype is designed to appeal to the idealist.

I studied several business and economics courses in my online education. Prior to that, I studied economics at the local community college. I have read many business and economics articles over the years. One fact all of these sources have shared with me is the fact that the sole mission of any business is to profit. If the business does not generate profit, it does not continue to do business. As a former manager I know what happens to employees who do not produce and perform, they are terminated. After all, the goal of the business is to produce profit; the more the better. For-profit schools are no different, hence the moniker ‘for-profit’.

When you go to a car lot in search of a new vehicle, do you feel the asking price is always fair? When the sales person is attempting to pull the wool over your eyes and convince you of the fantasy that the vehicle is worth more than it actually is because of the make and model, do you feel as if you are being conned? Do you feel safe in the hands of a sales person who has a single goal, to make profit? You will notice similar questions popping up in your