What a Ride! - A Former Skeptical CollegePlus! Student Speaks Out

question-mark By India Aderhold

What a ride! Since starting CollegePlus!, I've learned so many things, had amazing experiences, and discovered what the word 'accelerated' really means.

I know that God brought CollegePlus! into my life for many reasons. I have to admit, at the beginning, I was a bit skeptical. After all, how many advertisements promise amazing things, and don't deliver? My Mom and Dad insisted I give CollegePlus! a try, despite my apprehension. I agreed, and it turned out to be one of the best things my parents ever pushed me to try.

Community

Throughout my many CLEP tests, Dante exams, Thomas Edison courses, and various other ways of earning credits, one of the main things that kept me going was being able to talk with other students who were doing the same thing as I. While my high school friends went off to their brick and mortar colleges, I was feeling very alone, until my coach introduced me to some other students. One of my favorite things about CollegePlus!, is the amazing community they have. All the students are so helpful and uplifting; willing to give study tips, ask for study tips, and just being there to talk and pray with each other.

Study Tips

As I've talked with many other CollegePlus! students, one of the main topics of conversation has to do with what helped you the most in the way of study materials. Some have said that InstantCert is the best, others love finding high school textbooks on the various subjects, but for me personally, Brad Voeller's Dynamic Memory course was the best study help. I'd recommend this course to anyone; even those who may already be done with college! It did take me awhile to get the hang of his techniques, but once I did, a whole new world opened up for me. This was extremely helpful when I took my CLEPs and Dante exams; as there are many facts needed to be remembered for each test.

This should be the norm

Something that has really stood out to me in the past two years, is that other people are rather astonished at the concept of accelerated distance learning. Society has been programmed to believe that there is only one way to earn a college degree; that being, attending a traditional college for four years or more. Getting a degree from home in two years or less may seem like an amazing feat, but I believe that this should be the norm. Most students have it inside them to exercise self-discipline and motivation, and have the ability to attain an accelerated college education.

As I look to the New Year, I wonder where the time has gone! It seems like it was only yesterday that my coach and I were introducing ourselves over our first coaching call. Its hard to believe that almost exactly two years ago, I was listening to Brad Voeller, wondering if I'd ever memorize my 'house list'. But here I am, almost done with my degree, looking forward to the next step in life. Getting an English degree so quickly has already opened up doors for me, and that would not have been possible without CollegePlus! I'm thankful that God led me to CollegePlus!, for it has been an exciting adventure; and as it's drawing to a close, I'm definitely looking forward to the next great thing life will have to offer.

India Aderhold India loves to sip hot cocoa and bake cookies. She's content to sit inside and read or write in front of the wood burning stove, while the icy winds blow around her South Dakota home. Learn more about her at http://countessindia.blogspot.com/ Share

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3 comments so far - Leave a comment below

You've been published! Sweet! :-D

I totally agree, community is the main way I've been able to stay motivated and encouraged. I'm so thankful that I'm not the only one! It's fun being part of a group of students that are breaking the college mold!

— \"Mac\" Monday, January 10, 2011 10:37 AM CST

Like the new CollegePlus! t-shirts say, you have been a part of "re-inventing college". Way to go India! God bless!

— Ryan Thursday, January 20, 2011 3:49 PM CST

Excellent article, India! Thanks for writing! :) Perfect example of the CP experience. :D

— Rog Friday, January 21, 2011 7:33 AM CST

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