College Dilemma: My college wasn't regionally accredited and my credits wouldn't transfer!

CollegePlus! wasn’t Brittany’s first choice. She was originally headed into a life of politics at a private Christian college near the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virgina. But life landed her back at home, her options were slim – the college wasn’t regionally accredited and her hard-earned credits wouldn’t transfer. But instead of giving up, she found a way to maximize what she learned.

Brittany is not the type of person to shrink away from challenges. If anything, she thrives on them. “CollegePlus! was the most efficient and cost-effective way for me to get my degree while taking advantage of the “life” opportunities.”

“Within a month or two, I was able to recover those credits by using CLEP exams.” She said it matter-of-factly, as if it’s normal to earn 30 college credits within a few months. “I wanted to challenge myself with how quickly I could get my degree done.”

With a new college came a new major for Brittany. She quickly chose Social Sciences, relishing the opportunity study psychology, history, and political sciences with electives in business. “The degree allows me to practically apply what I learned through everyday interactions with people.”

“While I loved the experiences (at the private school), the time spent on studies made it difficult for me to pursue my passions.”

What passions? Brittany is the type of person who always is busy helping people out. During her time back at home, she started advising two political campaigns, helping candidates get organized. She also continued to volunteer with Operation Christmas Child, packing shoe boxes with supplies for needy children. When she wasn’t studying or volunteering, she was managing a small fitness center. Busy was an understatement.

“Brittany had decided that she didn’t want to spend four years of her life doing college,” said Dawn Barden, Brittany’s mother. “She went through CollegePlus! in ten months. She was able to help with the family, run a business, and manage a campaign. She had so much fun doing it.”

“Occasionally, I would just skip studying for a day,” Brittany confessed. “But usually, studying won out over the fun times, such as friends and Facebook. I knew that if I were to reach my goal of completing my degree in record time, the temporary sacrifices would be well worth it.”

Her sacrifices paid off. Brittany got her degree just under 10 months. Her positive experience with CollegePlus! turned into a career. She works in the San Antonio office as the Strategic Relationships Liaison, helping establish working relationships with other organizations.

Brittany paused when she was asked to sum up her experience. She doesn't regret her year at the Christian college but she does wish that her credits would have transferred. "For students who want to leave the door open to transfer credits to a new school, work towards a second major, or pursue any form of higher education, accreditation is of vital importance."

Spent time in a non-accredited school system? CollegePlus! can help you turn the experience into a fully accredited college degree.

Follow @collegeplus

2 comments so far - Leave a comment below

This is an eye opening story. Glad to hear it worked out for you. Thanks for sharing.

— Michael Troope Tuesday, November 30, 2010 9:09 AM CST

I have to echo what this article is saying about accreditation. This students mother is correct in saying that proper accreditation is required for students moving on to a graduate level program. Many Christian colleges do not hold the type of accreditation required to enroll in a graduate level program.

In my own experience I have seen the heartache in students when they discover their undergraduate degree is not valid for graduate school. Please don't let this happen to you!

— Reuben Tuesday, November 30, 2010 9:48 AM CST

Name:
Email:
Website:	(optional)
Comment:
Captcha:	What is 1 + 1?