What can I do about this?

R4L · Fri 01/12/2006 23:36:15

I just got a call form DeVry, a college that specializes in computers and other technology. They asked me about what I would like to do as a career, if I want a bachelor's degree, when I graduate, etc. The problem is, I don't ever think I filled out a form on the internet for DeVry, and I am only 15, so I don't know whats going to happen. They told me that I would get another call from DeVry sometime, but I don't know if I should go for it or not. I don't really have the money to do anything right now, and my mom can't pay for something like DeVry. This is really confusing to me, but I am really curious as to whether I should do this or not.

CaptainBinky · Fri 01/12/2006 23:54:25

I've never heard of DeVry, but I don't see what the problem would be with just telling them what they want to know and see what happens. Just don't give them your credit card number

Shane 'ProgZmax' Stevens · Sat 02/12/2006 00:11:26

If you'll take my advice, stay far away from DeVry. I went there to get my bachelors in Electronics Engineering a year earlier than a much better college and the end result was less than inspiring. DeVry, ITT Tech and similar places have been branded by many companies as 'diploma factories'. As such, despite getting a good education, many high profile companies don't take your degree seriously. This might have changed since I graduated, but based on what I've been seeing it hasn't really.

Gregjazz · Sat 02/12/2006 00:19:31

Well the nice thing about DeVry is you can get your diploma pretty fast, but as ProgZmax said, as a result it can be like a diploma factory in that respect.

LGM · Sat 02/12/2006 00:42:22

Also, schools like DeVry aren't accredited colleges. So as said before, employers won't take you as serious with a degree from DeVry and the like.

Da_Elf · Sat 02/12/2006 03:37:32

i certainly wouldnt hire anyone from there. getting a bachelor's isnt a bad thing but atleast get it from a real university.

MrColossal · Sat 02/12/2006 05:14:56

A school asking you to apply? How silly! You're supposed to feel greatful if they even acknowledge your existance!

The only other school I've heard of where they ask you to join was Hogwarts... So maybe you should try and get in there! I hear it's fun!

evenwolf · Sat 02/12/2006 05:38:38

As far as getting a random letter...

when I turned 18 a mysterious package arrived on my doorstep with a Mach 3 razor inside. Howd they know? And furthermore, how'd they know I would pay $18000 for each subsequent replacement blade?! These guys are good!

monkey0506 · Sat 02/12/2006 05:49:16

evenwolf virtually any time you sign up for anything on the Internet and give your age (real age or not) the companies running those sites sell your information. I have been getting Gilette razors since I was 13 about every other year (for my 18th birthday every time...so as far as they know I've already had about 4 different 18th birthdays).

As for DeVry, I wouldn't know what to tell you except if it's not accredited then it's virtually worthless.

R4L · Sat 02/12/2006 06:20:38

Well the majority says that it isn't worth it, so I don't think I'll go. I couldn't afford it anyway.

TheYak · Sat 02/12/2006 07:46:15

It's been a running joke I've heard from other people and seen on TV (e.g. redneck-type announcing that he got his brain surgery diploma from DeVry or something along those lines).

It's better than nothing, but there are many better options. Apart from not being accredited; for that amount of money you could easily attend community college and at least get something that'll transfer over as college credits or show some sort of formal education rather than a certificate.

The good part about "universities" like DeVry, Empire College, or Heald Business College (don't know how widespread those last few are) is that they usually have some kind of job-placement program. Sometimes they'll put tuition payments on hold until you either 1) drop out or 2) find a paying job in that field. Looking into something like that isn't all bad if you definitely can't afford college and can't find meaningful work.

The worst criticism of DeVry (in my opinion) that's been mentioned so far is their marketing technique (repetitive phone-calls, junk mail, auto sign-ups, etc.).

Evil · Sat 02/12/2006 09:32:02

I've met people from DeVry. Some of the students are very good at what they do, and will have no problem getting a job. But some of the teachers aren't very skilled. You'd be better off at a local community college.

As for the phone call, a lot of public schools work through DeVry with scholarships. DeVry does do a good job with people talking about scholarships and other opportunities. If anything talk with them about getting scholarships.

Chicky · Sat 02/12/2006 15:04:31

that capital V really pisses me off.

m0ds · Sat 02/12/2006 15:23:41

DeVry

To be fair, I hate that whole word. Is it "Dev-ree" or "Dee-vry"? Oh, and how do I get free Gillette blades & stuff??

monkey0506 · Sat 02/12/2006 17:35:23

"Deh-Vry". That's how they say it on the television.

As for the free razors...I don't really know how or why...but I have received the Gilette Mach 3, Gilette Mach 3 Turbo (more than one of these), and the Gilette Fusion, and as I said, all for my 18th birthday (on different years). As previously noted, I think it has to do with Internet sites selling people's information. It may also be in the US?

Shane 'ProgZmax' Stevens · Sat 02/12/2006 18:24:07

QuoteAlso, schools like DeVry aren't accredited colleges.

Just a correction on this, that's not true. DeVry is fully accredited, the problem I ran into is more of a stigma that you can't possibly EARN a degree in 3 years. I sure as hell did -- and trust me on this -- I've seen what the curriculum was of other colleges in my area. That's really why I signed on, I just didn't realize that most companies see it as a diploma factory, and it's for that reason I recommend staying far away. Summary: The degree = good. The reputation = bad.

What can I do about this?

m0ds