[UnderseaLcpl]

Originally Posted by Platapus

I think you are wise to eschew a college education.

Who said anything about eschewing it? I'm just annoyed that I have to pay for it (and the good taxpayers have to pay for it) and then explain why I would pursue such a course of action, and then be graded on it. I already outlined my degree plan and wrote a very nice essay on why I should be admitted to Empire State. Why am I doing this again?

Originally Posted by CaptainHaplo

That was hilarious! I am interested to see what kind of response you get back this time!

I agree with your some of your points, though I have to note I haven't seen the original document or the full response to it by your professor, so context may be important.

Yes, universities "sell" higher learning - what you appear to be seeing is the mindset that knowledge is somehow different from anything else. If they argue they are not "selling" it - then I wonder why one must BUY books and class time.....

I'm glad you enjoyed it, CH. I just hope the professor enjoys it as well. I'm afraid she might get a bit touchy about the whole thing. As for context, I have the original assignment I submitted here should you wish to peruse it.

I have chosen to pursue a bachelor's degree in business because I want to be an astronaut when I grow up. No,wait... I want to be a doctor, or no, wait..... I want to be the President!

In all honesty, just like most people, I want a degree because I need one to convince people with lots of money to pay well for my services. Most decent-paying jobs that aren't unionized nowadays require a degree for an applicant to even be considered. The fact that I have over a decade of experience in customer service, small business management, and finance apparently doesn't mean much, but if you tack a degree in anything, even underwater basket-weaving, onto that list of qualifications; you've got an interview for a good job.

I'd like to say that my goals are nobler than that but they aren't. I have no grand vision for society. I have no real cause to pursue, at least not yet. At the moment I am simply concerned with securing a decent means of living which I can use as a springboard to whatever ends strike my fancy in the future.

I'd like to say that I have some grand plan for future happiness, but I don't. The best laid plans of mice and men and all that, you know. My "plan" is to take things as they come and make wise fiscal choices along the way. For that part, at least, I don't need a college degree. There are plenty of sound long-range investment opportunities in secure firms for the astute investor, even in this economy. The only thing I lack is the capital, which is why I need the job, which is why I need the degree. Barring some unprecedented economic catastrophe in the next 40 years a plan like that can lead a person to a very comfortable and even early retirement.

I was tempted to include "Professional Goals" as a covered topic, but I couldn't resist the temptation to answer the questions. I particularly like this one: "Where would you like to be professionally in five or ten years?"

Professionally I would like to be retired and living on a beautiful estate in Kentucky that doubles as a rescue for abused horses and maybe dogs. Actually, I'd like to be doing that now. Failing that, I'd like to be paid to ask students who are paying $3000 in tuition fees per semester why they are going to college.

At this point, I have to ask a question of my own: Does Empire State get an abundance of applicants who pay three grand per semester for no apparent reason or what? I understand the need students may have for course planning and whatnot but how many of them have ever answered the questions suggested in "writing tips" with "Oh, gee, I never really thought about it."

Honestly, what is this? Is this some kind of marketing or quality-control survey? If it is, I would appreciate it if Empire State would just come clean and say "Hey, students, we need your input so we can try to be a better school". If the Wizard of OZ is behind those curtains, I think it is high time he came out. I'm not (willingly) about to fork out thousands of dollars for an education only to be asked why I am doing it and then be graded on my response unless I am challenging such a methodology. If I wanted to spend tremendous sums of money to be questioned on my own viability as a candidate I'd run for political office or become a scientologist, thank you.

As with any purchase, I expect a decent return on my investment, and when I invest in education I expect to recieve an education. Granted, I have only a comparitively modest sum to invest in this venue, but I do expect a positive return. An institution that questions my motives does not fit that criteria. I don't go to Wal-Mart and buy laundry detergent so I can explain to the cashier why I am buying it.

If all this sounds a bit cynical it is because it is meant to sound that way. I really have no problem with explaining my motives to course planners who only want to help me realize my potential (assuming I have some). What I have a problem with is being required to do so. This educational institution is a for-profit business venture and I have paid for the service of being educated. As such, I expect an education that is cost-effective. I do not see how explaining why I need such an education as part of a cost-effective education.

In summation, I would like an A+ on this paper for pointing out the fallacies of this assignment and what is, at best, a Socratic method of teaching. I would also like the fact that I submitted this paper late to be overlooked, but I understand if that is not acceptable.