Capella: My Application for Admission

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by PhiloScholar, Jul 28, 2008.

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  1. PhiloScholar

    PhiloScholar Member

    Hello folks,

    Well, after gathering strength for the last two years, and checking out various graduate programs, I am officially filing my Graduate School Application for Admission to Capella University this week (started it over the weekend). My selected program is the Master of Science in Human Services, with the Mental Health Counselor Specialization. I plan on starting it in September.

    I estimate approximately $40k in loans (likely a minimum), over the course of 3-4 years. I'm going to be sick. I also filed my FAFSA, never done it online...that was interesting. I am having some minor issues with the application process online - not quite sure how certain components need to be completed, but they will work themselves out soon enough. I'll be speaking with the Enrollment Counselor I've been working with to resolve these minor issues. I am looking forward to pursuing this program and being part of the university's online community, if I get accepted into the program.

    If there are any tips you folks who have done online schooling can give me (especially through Capella), I'd appreciate it. This is a whole new situation long term for me. I've done courses with partial online work, but never a complete program. I'll let you know how things progress.

    - Shawn
     
  2. Shawn Ambrose

    Shawn Ambrose New Member

    First of all - good luck!

    One key to success at Capella is to read and post early - do not fall behind. If you keep up with readings and assignments, you should be OK. Find topics you are passionate about for your papers. You will write a great deal for Capella, especially since exams are not part of the grade assessment.

    Shawn
     
  3. PhiloScholar

    PhiloScholar Member

    Re:


    Wonderful...more good news...lol! Now I'm going to be a reading work horse and a labor intensive typist. Any idea what the average page length is for papers in a given course, and/or how often writing assignments are given? You mentioned "read and post early", what do you mean by "....post early"? What is gained by being first to post? I'm guessing thats not what you meant. I wrote a lot for my Philosophy degree, so maybe its not so bad.

    My issue is the online environment. I'm really going to need to treat it as if I'm going to a brick and morter school...even if I need to go to the library to have that sense of it, but I hope not. I'll just work on creating a solid schedule of study and online class time.

    Thanks for the feedback.

    - Shawn
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 28, 2008
  4. BlackBird

    BlackBird Member

    I understand you are in the school of Human Services at Capella. I did my Ph.D. in the School of Psychology. My wife is also a student in your same school. One thing I've noticed is that Capella has standardized their courses more to a common template where you have to submit early your proposal on a course paper, do an annotated bibliography, submit a partially terminated outline, and then submit the ultimate paper. This is all on top of your weekly assignments. I don't function in that format when I do papers. I am formulate my paper as I go. It comes together while I write it. I'm glad that my school did not do that approach and that my professors gave me the flexibility to do it my way as long as it met the final project requirement per course. I think those of us who are slightly A.D.D. (old term use) don't easily fit into templates. (That's where the general population is a "Multiple Thought Impaired" but we are labeled as having a "problem." :rolleyes: )

    You will love Capella if you hunker down and keep up with your work. The school you are in is CACREP accredited and therefore fulfills the highest standards in Mental Health education. I recommend you get an APA format software like that offered by Reference Point Software (http://www.referencepointsoftware.com/ ) or Style Ease ( http://www.styleease.com/MainPage2.html?gclid=CMnZ_5ee45QCFRJdxwodGgzPRw ). Both are the best. I used Reference Software's program and it saved me hundreds of hours. Last time I checked it just cost about 25 dollars. I don't know if they have Mac based software. Stay away from APA's own software. It is reported as junk by my colleagues.

    Wish you the best.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 28, 2008
  5. Shawn Ambrose

    Shawn Ambrose New Member


    Blackbird gives good advice - posting early means keeping up with your assignments and posting your thoughts about the reading early in the week.

    Shawn
     
  6. PhiloScholar

    PhiloScholar Member

    Hello BlackBird,

    Thanks for your feedback. Always a pleasure to hear from you. I've finalized my application for admission, so now they send for my transcripts and the rest is in their court. For myself, I need to start the process for the Stafford Loan Program ("gulp") - FAFSA already filed. Hopefully, the loan application will not take long. I adjusted my academic program start date (if accepted) to October (Fall Quarter). Everyone should have enough time to be on the same page.

    Keeping fingers crossed.

    - Shawn
     
  7. PhiloScholar

    PhiloScholar Member

    Thats what I figured by your comment. It was good to clarify the point.

    - Shawn
     
  8. gljohnso

    gljohnso New Member

    Dear Philo..

    You will like Capella. I am now completing my PhD program with them. They are excellent. All my instructors are full PhD faculty and will challenge you to strive for the best.
    Advice: Stay on top of your reading. Post in the course room as required and you will do fine.
    Capella is not difficult unless you make it so. I wish you much success.
     
  9. PhiloScholar

    PhiloScholar Member

    Re:


    Thanks for your feedback. The more I learn, the more I like Capella. I have been offered "Conditional Admission", just a technical issue of the school receiving and approving my undergraduate transcript. I'm going to wait until full admission is offered, then I won't jinx it. I need to get my award letter from Capella's FA office, before I apply for my Stafford Loan (Yikes!). Its starting to piece itself together...and I feel ready to open the next chapter of my academic life.

    I'm looking forward to being a student in the program at Capella. I start in October 2008.

    Thanks for the support.

    - Shawn
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 1, 2008
  10. JazzyMac

    JazzyMac New Member

    Hello! New to the forums, but lurker for a while. :D

    Can you tell me why you chose Capella over "the others"?

    Congratulations on signing up!
     
  11. PhiloScholar

    PhiloScholar Member


    Hello,

    I chose Capella, because they offer the only online program with CACREP accreditation, recognized in many states as the new standard for Mental Health programs. Plus, its online...so its more freeing for me - not tied to a "sit in class" time structure.

    Welcome to the group. We're here to help each other.

    - Shawn
     

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