This is my first post, hi everyone.
So I’ve been thinking about going back to school, even though there are few happy memories there, for many years and recently lost my job. I decided to look at this as an opportunity to go back and get my degree.
I have a well-documented history of learning disability/coordination difficulties and ADD as well as being gifted with a huge gap between verbal and performance IQ (verbal being the strong side)…but all my testing is VERY out of date.
I started looking at colleges and they wanted my documentation updated. So I started making phone calls and so far everyone I have talked to says 2000-5000 dollars, I did not have that kind of money even when I was working, let alone now. So do I just give up or is there a way around this roadblock. I am in illinois and can find no real resources.
I also need help determining the school I have the best chance of making it through.
This is so frustrating, just getting up the courage to go back to school is very difficult, I am terrified but I need to do this…help.
I want to become a teacher and make things better for the next child like me but I can not do this if I can not even go back to school let along pass. I am so frustrated.
Paradox
Re: Trying to go back to school - roadblocks at every turn
I have similar problems and was dismissed from a graduate program because of them (it was completely legal), I would thoroughly investigate your strengths and weaknesses before investing in your education only to run into issues like mine. The faculty of the program were the one’s who identified the problem in my case and by the time I had my evaluation, it was too late to save the career. Maybe with accommodations you’ll have better luck, but I’ve heard of people with problems like this who did great until they got to the student teaching. If that’s a possibility, there might be other careers that would allow you to help and advocate for children with learning disabilities.
I can’t say whether that will happen to you, but it’s important to find something that will rely on your strengths. I think in terms of fit, it’s better to focus on a degree for a profession you’ll enjoy and be successful in more than what school you’ll be successful at. I loved my school and my program, but was a poor fit for the profession that the particular degree would’ve led to. I’m looking into other programs at the same school so I will have a degree I can use in a profession that interests me.
[Modified by: Katiebug06 on March 05, 2015 06:48 PM]
Re: Trying to go back to school - roadblocks at every turn
Perhaps a community college would be more helpful.
For example, in NJ, we have Middlesex Community College which has a good reputation dealing with people with learning disabilities.
Perhaps in your state you can find a community college with a similar interest, which would assist and encourage you.
good luck.
Hi Paradox and welcome to the forum,
I know of a number of people that have got a free evaluation through their state Dept of Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
Which is basically their to help people find and keep a job.
Where they will also help people who want to do training.
Though you have a strong case, as you have a well documented history, and just need an updated evaluation. So that you can do training, and then gain long term employment.
So that it might be worth contacting them and discussing whether they could help you with this?