Capella University: Admitted!

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by PhiloScholar, Aug 24, 2008.

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  1. PhiloScholar

    PhiloScholar Member

    Hello all,

    For a couple of weeks, I had been granted conditional admission to Capella. Not a huge reason to jump for joy, which is why I never said anything. I did not want to jinx the process. However, just to let you know that yesterday (8/22/08) I received a call from the Capella University Enrollment Counselor I've been working with over the last couple of months. I've been accepted to Capella University's graduate program in the School of Human Services (full admission)! I initially applied to the Mental Health Counseling (MHC) track, but because they did not or could not verify my GPA with Excelsior (since Excelsior does not post GPAs on a transcript - you have to send for it separately - and apparently Capella was disinclined to do so), and the fact that the Excelsior course I took is only graded as P/NP, which made Capella question things even more...they approved me for the program of Counseling Studies. A temporary setback to be sure. Whew!

    What I will be required to do, is successfully complete what they consider as two initial faculty pre-selected courses from the MHC track (with a "B" or better in both - one of which is actually the same first course in both programs) done in the Counseling Studies track. After this, I'll be permitted to apply for a change of specialization to the MHC program directly.

    In the end, they dont want me to fail, and in addition to the technical question of my GPA and Excelsior's course, a few of my old grades from when I was real young (19-23), knew everything and partied all day, kinda worked against me a little. Capella has strong (errr...strict) specific entrance requirements for certain programs, and my success in these initial proposed courses will pave the way for proving my ability for the rest of my preferred program. They are providing me with a chance to still enter the MHC program through sort of a back-door approach. Plus, this is a new venue of education for me anyway - its so far away from traditional college learning as to be a foreign country to me...lol. So, I really lose nothing because these two first courses, are both required for the MHC track program at different points anyway...I'm just spending some time taking them in a different program as a "success safety net".

    After receiving the news of my admission I went through the process of filing for my Stafford Loan (my financial aid process was put on hold at a point where I was waiting for the university's admission decision before completing this step). So, that is nearly finalized. Its mostly between the university and the guaranteer at this point.

    This admission situation apparently is not too uncommon. I joined a message board through Yahoo for Capella MHC students, and met a man who is 55 years old and had not been to school in 30 years. He lives here in Gig Harbor, WA. We met for coffee and talked about the MHC program. He faced the same situation when he applied to Capella. And although for me it hit my pride to not have direct entry into the program of my choice, the end goal will be the same (for both of us actually): MS Degree - Human Services - Mental Health Counseling Specialization.

    I already have access to the university's online courseroom center plus its academic support and community connection features. And I can say now for the first time, I'm a graduate student. A graduate student of Capella University, School of Human Services.

    I'm ready for the next chapter of my academic life. Wish me luck.

    Go Capella!

    - Shawn
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 24, 2008
  2. PhiloScholar

    PhiloScholar Member

    RE: Capella - Corrected details

    Minor correction (timed out) - was meant to be applied to last paragraph:

    This admission situation apparently happens on occasion. The Enrollment Counselor I spoke with said he has had at least 3-4 students every quarter go through this approach to the MHC track. So Capella does care about student success, and I can appreciate that very much.

    I start my program on October 6th.

    [End]
     
  3. raristud2

    raristud2 New Member

    Congratulations on your acceptance shawn!
     
  4. me again

    me again Well-Known Member

    Enjoy the journey -- because a journey it will be!!!
     
  5. Vinipink

    Vinipink Accounting Monster

    I hope everything work out for you.
    Best of luck.
     
  6. BlueMason

    BlueMason Audaces fortuna juvat

    Good for you! Congrats!! :)
     
  7. BlackBird

    BlackBird Member

    CONGRATULATIONS
    SHAWN!
     
  8. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    Congratulations!
     
  9. PatsFan

    PatsFan New Member

    Congratulations, Shawn.

    Tom
     
  10. PhiloScholar

    PhiloScholar Member

    Thank you

    Hello,

    To those who have thus far offered their congratulations to me, (and to those in advance who may yet do so)...I am deeply grateful for your thoughts and expressions of support. I hope to be successful in the program. Given the fact that it is online, I'll have fewer personality dynamics and drama to contend with for the "classroom" setting, and the online environment will be a bit more relaxed in terms of where and when I do the work. I do however, plan to operate from a structured schedule.

    If anyone has any tips to offer for online study, I'd love to read them.

    Thanks again for the support! Go Capella!

    - Shawn
     
  11. Shawn Ambrose

    Shawn Ambrose New Member

    Congrats Shawn - I know you will do well!

    Shawn
     

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