[saraluv7]

Most of you have heard from your parents that they prefer smart students, like people who can pull of Dental Hygiene or some other
Associate program. Most of us, however, find ourselves in a rut scurrying to get by with a transfer to the next big u.
I've done some research to clarify some rumors. Despite some of the real-life stories that one could not apply with just a piece of AA certificate,
facts prove that students who specialize in these degrees may get higher paying jobs in the long run.
People who prefer BA's or to transfer, or enter as an undergrad to a university instead of college pay more, but also gain more life style wellness.

For those of you willing to share experiences or advice, feel free!
BTW, 2 more classes @ age 28 for me and I'm going for my Education Bachelors, which will be in another couple years. But, that beats cometology anyday. (Usually, it takes 10-15 yrs until you turn into a pro at this, back problems will tend to bother, etc.)

[mz simmonz]

I'm trying to go for my associate degree in dental hygiene (will apply in the winter for fall 09 admission). Isn't an assoc. degree only useful pertaining to the specific career you are trying to get into? I guess because it's so specific. as for a BS/BA I think it's just the basic degree for further grad school admissions since bachelors are preferred? not so sure but that's my take on it. Not like every BS/BA holder gets a decent job or even a job at all after graduation, but I feel like it's just a necessary pre-req to apply to grad school.

[SouthernBelle82]

I'm hoping to get my b.s. in criminal justice only because I want to hopefully go to the FBI eventually and I think having a b.s. would help me get there.

[watcher]

I'm trying to go for my associate degree in dental hygiene (will apply in the winter for fall 09 admission). Isn't an assoc. degree only useful pertaining to the specific career you are trying to get into? I guess because it's so specific. as for a BS/BA I think it's just the basic degree for further grad school admissions since bachelors are preferred? not so sure but that's my take on it. Not like every BS/BA holder gets a decent job or even a job at all after graduation, but I feel like it's just a necessary pre-req to apply to grad school.

a lot of associate and bachelors programs overlap. in general, associates are a quicker and more flexible way of earning a degree at the cost of depth of knowledge.some will argue that you get more 'value' out of an associates degree. in a lot of cases, what you learn to attain an AA is enough to get you started on a professional career, and in some cases [for certain fields], an AA can be as effective as a BA/BS degree. however, it's true that for the average person, people who earn BA/BS degrees will have higher overall income and earning potential. they'll also usually have better access to resources and opportunities to get them started with a higher income at a bigger organization/company [whether via networking or simply by merit of having a full-time 4 year degree].

[saraluv7]

Well, it's your choice to stop at a Bachelor's degree.
Basically, the jist of looking at resume's when hiring is whether you look good.
The status stigma is there.
I wasn't referring to like doctors or professors who pursue more education after 4 yrs.
I wanted to hear that please, a 4 year basic breadth of knowledge would be worth the wait.
('cause i'm sick of being compared to smart competitive people who get their degrees in 2 years and make tons of money)...
Sorry if I sound like an idiot and meanie for wanting to hear only what I want to.

[watcher]

Well, it's your choice to stop at a Bachelor's degree.
Basically, the jist of looking at resume's when hiring is whether you look good.
The status stigma is there.
I wasn't referring to like doctors or professors who pursue more education after 4 yrs.
I wanted to hear that please, a 4 year basic breadth of knowledge would be worth the wait.
('cause i'm sick of being compared to smart competitive people who get their degrees in 2 years and make tons of money)...
Sorry if I sound like an idiot and meanie for wanting to hear only what I want to.

i think you win some, you lose some. a BS/BA degree is nothin to think lightly about. it comes down to how you make the most of the resources available and how well you tap into your potential

[ChunJin]

An AA is for doers/appliers. People who need to be told what to do, and how to do something.

A BA/BS is for creators/thinkers. Higher level thinking that requires some level of originality.

A Masters is for licensing/pay boost. This is mostly required for jobs that require a high-level of responsibility in positions such as: senior *, where you're looking over a bunch of people.

[saraluv7]

watcher: Thanks! I like how you put that into great wording, the fact people don't appreciate a Bachelor's as much- they think of it as a given.
When alot of work and effort goes into it of course. I might just stop at an associate degree. I'm not sure I'm one of the creative thinkers or
people who excel in studying anymore. For example, getting a job and working albeit - getting the cash in the doorway for rent and stuff is more important to me than getting educated. It's definitely not something I enjoy- exactly why UW wasn't meant for me.
Even in the library, when I had requested some information on classes at the U, the librarian refused? to give me one, saying that it was specially for students who didn't have a problem with studying and paying for it (not having a problem with that)... so community college was more my style. Who is she to say? I have no clue, but that's what it sounds like some people around my town think.
If that's what a Bachelor's is meant for, to look down on people who aren't "thinkers", then why bother with getting one? It's def. not for me, I guess. She's just sick of studying, they'll say. But, of course people like that aren't the ones to make the decisions. Ultimately, you are. If I'm qualified for a job with just an associate, I'll stop there. Anyway, thanks for all your support and loving suggestions!

[itrayya]

i agree.
im getting my Bachelor this coming spring, and i will drop kick anyone who says it's easy.
4 years of hard work, that s*it is worth something.

an AA is the same too. it's hard work.
people may think an AA isnt as worth it as a BA,
but i feel that both requires so much of the student that they are both worthy.

AngeloDS, that's how i kinda thought of it at first too.
although i may be bias towards the BA program,
i come to see that school no matter where, what, bleh, is still difficult.

we dont need to talk s*it about one or the other to make us feel better.

bleh.