Customer Reviews

Traditional Degrees for Nontraditional Students: How to Earn a Top Diploma From America's Great Colleges At Any Age

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Ms. Sargent has produced a work of inspiration. As a 37 year old man taking his first baby steps into the world of higher education, I suffer from not only various fears, but from complete confusion as well. Where do I start? Should I follow the recommendations of well-meaning friends and attend school at night while working full time? What the hell is "matriculation?" Of course, no one book can answer every question you might have about returning to college, but "Traditional Degrees for Nontraditional Students" comes very close. There is extremely useful information on applying for schools, navigating financial aid offices, and choosing a major. But more importantly (because it means you will actually ENJOY the book), the author strikes a pitch-perfect tone: warmth and humor tempered with enough authority to let you know she's had much experience, and knows whereof she speaks. I HIGHLY recommend this book - buy two copies in case your first one gets lost. The bottom line is that it was Ms. Sargent's book that inspired me enough to...get moving on a long-postponed dream.

How often is it that one book answers all of our questions about any given topic? How often is a reference book a one-stop-shop for all that we're looking for? My typical experience is, more often than not, having to read several different books before I can locate ALL of the information I'm looking for. Finally, an awesome great book that answers every possible question about nontraditional higher education!

I was absolutely thrilled, and amazed too, that "Traditional Degrees for Nontraditional Students: How to Earn a Top Diploma from America's Great Colleges at Any Age," turned out to be a one-stop-shop reference book that met all of my needs. I attended college, many years ago, but never finished the degree I wanted. Like so many others, life sort of got in the way of my dreams, and I chose work and family and let my education go by the wayside. I had reasons for making the choices I did, but my goal of earning a "Top Degree" has not left me and I needed some professional guidance to help me fulfill my educational dream.

I bought this book about 60 days ago, frustrated with myself for not having completed a degree program in a timely manner. And even though my resume appears to be quite extensive and impressive, the lack of having a completed degree likely prevents me from obtaining the kind of career I'd really enjoy. Many years have passed since I made my first application to a college or university degree program. Can you imagine how anxious I was about even considering applying to one of America's many "Great Colleges"? Would I be accepted? Could I work, raise a family and go to college all at the same time? How could I afford a "Top Degree", even if I my application was accepted?

Miraculously, each and every question and concern I had was answered, accurately and thoroughly, in Carole Fungaroli Sargent's totally comprehensive guide. First, I selected the colleges that offered nontraditional degree programs in my field of interest, Abnormal Psychology, and then narrowed my choices using the helpful guides that are included in her book. In the same amount of time it would have taken to go grocery shopping or take the family to the movies, I was able to complete the entire online applications to the colleges and universities that I was interested in. Additionally, the book guided me to the proper web sites that would allow me to apply for any possible State and Federal financial aid. Without the awesome assistance and direction I received by reading this book, it's very likely that I would have become all-too frustrated with the confusion and paperwork and, once again, would have put my dreams on hold. Instead, I felt confident and decided that I would persevere until I completed my longstanding goal.

I was accepted by 4 of the 5 "Great Colleges" that I applied to and was elated beyond belief! I was convinced they were going to find something, just anything, that would keep me from getting my Diploma. However, I kept focused on the one university program that I was most interested in and followed every suggestion and strategy for acceptance that was outlined in Sargent's book. Within a period of less than one month, I had received a formal welcome and registration package for the Nontraditional Degree Program that I was about to enter into. As explained in the book, I also promptly heard from the Financial Aid Office of the University and was told that I would qualify for a partial Pell Grant, along with 3 options for Federal Student Loans.

I had been accepted by the University and also by the Department of Psychology's Graduate Degree Program. I can still remember how excited I was to hear all of this incredible news and to remind myself that I was finally on the journey I had dreamed of for years. Many of the credits that I received in my past attempts, years earlier, were accepted by the University. I had so many great choices to make now and I was amazed that all of these classes were being offered at local community colleges and the State Universities, but all credits earned would be applied directly to the Nontraditional Degree Program I would complete in less than 18 months.

I've already completed 2 courses, both of which I loved taking. Although they were considered "Fast Track" Courses, and would require a great amount of concentrated studies at a very fast pace, I found myself in absolute rhythm with the demands of the classes and passed both classes with flying colors. My next course will begin in about 2 weeks and I've already received the text books and study guides by Federal Express.

If you could see my face right how, I think you would see someone who is finally showing a spark in his eyes. The guidance I received from this book is changing my life in so many positive ways! Even my fear of being the oldest person in my first class was relieved by a fellow student who was in her 80's! I guess it's never too late to complete your collegiate dreams and to reach "reach for the stars!"

There is no doubt in my mind, that without the help of this wonderful book, I'd still be dragging my feet and finding excuses for not going back to school. I knew that I didn't fit into the "Traditional Student" category and feared that I'd never finish a very important dream-to be the very first person in my entire family to finish a college degree. My suggestion to all, from someone who shares this honest review to help others, is that you reach for your goals and complete your dream of getting a great degree from any of a number of "Top Colleges" throughout America.

Good luck to you! I hope this review has helped in some way. If I've failed in giving you enough information about this book, feel free to contact me and I'll be happy to share more with you. Maybe I can inspire you to buy the same book that has already changed my life.

You, too, can earn your degree. And you'll be surprised at how easy it is to complete a "Top Degree" from so many of America's "Top Colleges"-no matter where you live and no matter what your financial resources are. I am doing it and so can you!

Warm Regards to All!

Peter V. Cannice from Scottsdale, Arizona
Contact me at Horsepete@aol.com if I can be of help to you!

I can see it now. Legions of us, aging, intelligent, eager, interested, heading back to college with Dr. Fungaroli's book firmly in hand. Traditional Degrees for Nontraditional Students has just the right combination of gentle encouragement and hard-hitting practical advice to help those of us who may be anywhere from 10 to 60 years older than traditional college students. She brings us up to date on the realities of getting admitted, doing the work, and enjoying the journey every step of the way. My guess is, she has created an army of returning scholars by writing this book. What a wonderful gift to the world. What a wonderful gift to each us us who reads this book with such eagerness and hope.

At one time, I may have owned the largest collection of college bulletins in the world. In each of the past ten years since my high school graduation, the stack has grown higher and higher. Each contains a glimpse of a world I promised myself I would return to someday; each contains the promise of a brighter future. One day, I read Dr. Sargent's book <i>Traditional Degrees for Nontraditional Students</i>. Then I threw out all of those bulletins: I needed room on the shelf for my textbooks.

With the sage guidance one would expect of a professor from a prestigious educational institution, and with the empathetic advice one would count on from a friend who has "been there" herself, Dr. Sargent completely addresses the challenges and rewards that await the adult college student. This book is a treasure for any adult who is considering going back to school.

Although Fungaroli's book is geared to adults who haven't finished college -- and some who never started -- returning students can benefit at any age and any degree level.
Her information is dead-on accurate. She's frank and realistic about options of attending prestige schools, finishing up those last few credits, ending unsupportive relationships and more.
A friend of mine was just like one of her interviewees: needed a few credits and sold himself short. A quick letter to the registrar and presto -- he got credit for life experience and an extra summer school course!
I'm recommending this book to my clients who ask, "Am I too old for school?" As she would say, the answer is always a firm NO.

Just 3 weeks ago I had an epiphany and came to the conclusion that I want to go back to school and complete an undergraduate degree so that I may begin a lifetime of continuing education. I've been very timid about going back to school, hiding behind many excuses and thought I had finally put all those aside so I can really go for it. I began looking into programs of study, stopped in at the local bookstore to buy some guides to financial aide and writing the admissions essay, when I found this masterpiece on the shelf.

I bought it thinking that maybe it would have a handful of useful pointers but didn't realize that it would not just affirm that I wanted a degree, it also ignited a passion in me that I now realize I _need_ that degree to find happiness in life. The stories were touching, thought provoking and I easily found myself identifying with many of the people and their feelings. I'm no longer feeling timid about the admissions process, instead looking forward to it and the fears of rejection that reemerged just a couple weeks ago as I began to investigate returning to school now seem like a small obstacle compared to the learning process I will go through not just to get into school, but beyond admissions and into the academic programs I choose.

I can't overstate how thankful I am to Dr. Fungaroli Sargent for writing this book and sharing not just her story, but the stories of others that have found themselves outside staring in, wondering, and dreaming of a life that can be more fulfilling now that they've realized their appreciation for education. This book has been the best investment I've made all year and I look forward to returning to school full time so I can stop chasing my dreams and catch a real experience of a lifetime.

I am 46 years old and have struggled with the idea of being too old to go back. This book has stories from people much older than that who got honors. So I took a class this spring and got my first A. Now I'm getting ready to go full time and finish in 2003. Yeah I'll be 48, but I'll be 48 if I don't do it, anyway. :-)

Great book, thanks.

I read this while recovering from surgery and actually started crying at one point. The people in the book have so many different stories but all somewhat like mine. One woman in her 50s went back for a theology degree after years of being a volunteer and being treated like "somebody's mom" with a low paycheck. Now she has a masters degree and is a director of religious education. This book makes you know that you can do it. Age does not matter and as the author points out, it can be your best asset. She also makes a good point that adults are too good for distance learning. We deserve the very best and she offers that.

With all the misleading stuff out there about adults in college, this book is especially timely. Excellent writing. Best research I've seen.

Heard her on NPR, bought the book, where has this been all my life? Inspiring. Was on 60minutes too but I didn't see the whole thing. She thinks distance learning is expensive and hurts students. Says adults make the best college students, on campus, where they get As. The book makes you think you can do it, too.