The first thing I want to point out is that WGU is not for everyone. You have to be a self-starter, and you have to want to push yourself. Competency based units is an amazing concept. I take a pre-assessment and once I pass that I get to take my final for the objective exams. If you treat this school as a full-time job which some students do, you have the opportunity to go from no credits to your BA is around a year and a half. The other awesome thing about WGU is that you pay per semester, if I can pass 15 classes in one term, there is no additional cost.

For people who don't understand the mentor program, I have one mentor who calls me every Thursday to check on my progress and help push me to reach my goals. You also have a course mentor for every class, if you get stuck you let the course mentor know, and they respond very quickly to your request. I can tell you that in my first three months at WGU, I have racked up 35 credits, and that is working 8-10 hours a day studying. I find it nice that you can test from your home for most finals, obviously through webcam proxy.

The classes that have performance-based testing, you hand in the assignment, and a grader will not only grade your paper, they will tell you what is missing if anything is missing from the assignment. This is nice because most of my papers if they get sent back needing revisions, I know what I need to fix and quickly make the adjustments and send the assignment right back into be graded again. The cost of your education will be far less than other universities, and you will be able to accelerate if you have the time and are willing to put in the effort. This school was the best decision that I have ever made, and I encourage anyone who is looking at colleges to give WGU a shot.

Their course of study does not follow a specific order, the instructions on tasks (test or graded material) are vague, they claim many resources, but the resources have little use, Course mentors are not permitted to aid the students, and any problems brought to their attention is swept under a rug.... they tell you to go elsewhere....

Contacting the Board members is impossible... operators and student services try to reroute you every place else.

If you have money and time to waste... WGU is the place for you... all the hype of the certs are useless because if and when you need help... you are on your own.

Students considering WGU should not expect to sail through with no hiccups. This is a challenging program which requires hours of dedication and hard work.

Positives-

Mentors:

WGU provides course mentors (read: professors) who are as dedicated to your education as you are... WGU also provides a student mentor who works with you throughout your entire tenure at WGU. I now consider my mentor a friend.

Quality Education:

I completed my degree in Secondary Chemistry Education and had a job at a local school district BEFORE I graduated. I believe my education prepared me for my career as a high school teacher.

What you put in is what you get out:

WGU is unique in that simply regurgitating information is not always enough. At other schools as long as you meet requirements there is no encouragement or motivation to go beyond the basics. At WGU the more you put into your degree program the more you benefit from it.

CONS:

WGU is ever evolving. This can be good in the long run, but frustrating in the short term. If you choose WGU be prepared for some frustration. Remember... this is a means to an end.

Would I recommend WGU? Yes. Yes. Yes. In fact, I have several friends and relatives who have chosen to go to WGU on my recommendation. Also, I am beginning my masters program there on May 1.

Good luck.

WGU has been right there every step of the way!! The curriculum is competency-based and accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Take the plunge - you won't regret it!

I would recommed WGU to any nurse wanting to get their BSN quickly and cost effectively.