Okay, this is real creative thinking here, but how would you like to attend one of those big ivy league schools? How about attending for free!? Well, not completely attending full-time, but there are opportunities where you can take a class at one of the most prestigious schools in the country, for free!! I often hear students tell me they want to go to a big university. A big ten school with a regional, statewide, or national reputation. Many young people are convinced that if they attend a school like this, the chances of getting a better job are greater.
That might be somewhat correct in some instances, but not really. A very small percentage I would say actually do this. It takes ambition and faith in yourself to make the effort. You have to take the initiative for yourself. It will not come to you.
Although some of you could argue the case that companies place a high regard on the Alma mater of potential employees. Sure attending these top rated schools like Yale, Harvard, Princeton, UCLA, etc would be nice, it just happens to a small percentage of people. Try it though. You never know until you try. What’s nice about higher education is the diversity of institutions all over this great country for all of you to attend. Not every school is the same and not all of us fit into one particular school.
I prefer smaller sized institutions that offer a more hands-on curriculum. Some of you might like the opposite or slightly different type of school. No matter what, getting the degree is the key! Get the degree. Make sure the school is accredited, and get the degree. 2 years, 4 years, 1 year…it doesn’t matter. Get the degree. It will help you in so many ways.
But wouldn’t it be kind of sweet to say that you attended one of these prestigious schools? It’s nice too think about it.
Well, wait no more! You can attend a class offered at one of 10 of the top schools in the nation…for free! It’s true.
I found this awesome post from Tammy Camp on June 15, 2010. The post is titled 10 Places to get a Free Education from the Top Rated schools in the World and I wanted to provide it to you! If you really want to take classes and try for free education from some of the top schools in the country, like the best schools out there, then there is the list.
Here are 10 places to get a free education:
1. MIT
Get access to nearly every class taught at America’s best math institution, not to mention one of the nation’s top MBA programs. Tests, readings, and lecture notes are available for classes like Managerial Psychology and Law for Entrepreneurs.
Berkely is America’s top-rated public school, with a long tradition of activism and kicking ass. Their webcast system is similarly rocking, providing video and podcast versions of many of their classes (such as Computer Science 102).
Though Yale has some great content, only introductory material is offered here. That means you may spend less time delving into depths matters of management, and more time brushing up on Dante or Pompeiian Villas.
More video — but less materials and selection — make Harvard’s open education offerings (such as Intensive Introduction to Computer Science) better for browsing than targeted learning.
Some good content offered, such as Producing Films for Social Change or Intellectual Development. The only downside is that you’ll probably quickly run out of courses unless, oddly enough, you have a driving interest in veterinary sciences (and, I mean, who doesn’t?)
Information from the proclaimed ‘best business school in America.’ There are articles, podcasts, and special reports available… plus their own Knowledge@Wharton iTunes section.
Podcasts and class information from one of the US’s best universities. Listen to lectures is classes like “Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders” and “Social Entrepreneurship” without leaving iTunes.
Classes in Visual Communication Design (sweet!) and Empirical Research Methods highlight these offerings. Best of all, the system is designed to guide learners through real courses, rather than just providing information.
9. Utah State
A less-prestigious university, but a more-robust list of online free education resources. Courses like Learn and Apply HTML and Blogs, Wiki, New Media for Learning are available.
10. UC Irvine
UC Irvine can get a little ‘crunchy,’ but there’s good content here, including courses on Fundamentals of Business Analysis and Introduction to Project Management.
Unfortunately you can’t get a full degree for free at any of these schools, but check out these classes available from these institutions, and you can finally say you are a student of one of these schools! It’d be kind of cool to see this on your resume. Always keep your eyes and ears open. It’s not a lot of work. But it takes focus and a sense of passion for you to work on this.
You can do it. Going to college is easier these days and cheaper. 🙂
Your Success is My Success,
Keith Lipke
Keith Lipke is a careers and college recruiter, coach, mentor and blogger at The Hope Chest. His passion is to educate, inspire, and give hope to young people who need it upon their search for the right career and college.
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