University of Phoenix - Online Campus Review

When I first called the University of Phoenix, I had been thinking about going back to school for a long time, I was a homeschooling mom, a small business owner, very busy, and it had been over 20 years since I had taken any kind of academic class. The advisor that I was put in contact with was very helpful and walked me through admissions step-by-step, which was great, because I didn't have a clue about how to get through the process. I was going in to get my associates degree in business and possibly to go on and get my bachelors. I was very excited about starting school again.

The classes were 9 weeks long with no tests, which I loved, but many mini projects to do, online coversations and questions to keep up with, and a major project to hand in by the last day of class. I enjoyed the classes for the most part and the work. I am self-motivated so this wasn't a problem, although I know many of my classmates had a hard time keeping up. The only time I took a break from classes was when I was about half-way through and requested a week off. There was a problem with the scheduling of my next class on the school's end and I had to wait an extra week to begin it. In all, it took me 21 months to finish and get my associates degree with a total of three weeks' worth of breaks.

I loved the fact that I could get my school work done anytime, day or night. It was very convenient. What disappointed me was that I wasn't attending the University of Phoenix but  Western International University, which is the associates school of UoP. I didn't know this until after I was in school and was informed by my academics counselor. Another thing was that my academic counselors kept changing. By the time I was almost finished with school I was getting confused about who to call if I needed help. At first the counselor would call me once a week but the closer I got to finishing, the less attention I received. I understand this but it seemed like since I wasn't going on to get my bachelor's that their time was better spent with more likely candidates.

In all, the experience was a good one, if you can afford it. The cost is steep but if you are self-motivated and like school to begin with, UoP, or should I say WIU, is for you.