College Without the Campus. Does that sound interesting to you? It certainly did to me. There are so many reasons to find alternatives to the traditional college method: cost, time, and worldviews to name a few. So when Hillary Harshman contacted me about her new book, I was certainly excited!
About Our Family
We already have a bit of a non-traditional view of college in our home. We understand the value of a college degree in certain situations. There are many professions that require advanced studies and a college diploma. As each of our children nears college age, we discuss their interests and their goals and how best to achieve them. For some, a college degree in a specific field will be a must; for others, a trade certificate or full-time work may be more desirable. We don’t necessarily encourage college just for the sake of college.
But the 21st century college scene is something of a concern to our family. The lack of conservative universities and professors is an issue. The cost of a full degree is definitely something to consider, especially with five children!
Over the past few years, I’ve read up on the idea of distance learning, CLEP testing, and earning college credits in other non-traditional ways. The idea is definitely one we love. But with all the research I’d done, I was still confused, especially since I had never sent a child to college. Some companies help you through the process, but even that is costly.
So when I heard about Hillary’s book, I reserved my excitement until I read it. I am so happy to tell you that this book is all you need to get started on truly earning a degree from home, saving thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours.
About the Book
Hilary has completed her Bachelor’s Degree for under $10,000 and did it all from home. She wrote this book based on her personal experience, and she shares both her own journey and a little of her sister’s journey, as well.
It is a true step-by-step book for distance learning. She shares how she learned the information, how she set up her schedule, and how she was a self-motivated student.
So, what does the book include?
The first three chapters discuss the difference between on-campus and off-campus learning, as well as the money and methods involved. She compares several different distance learning strategies.
Chapters 3-6 go into detail about CLEP, DSST, and “credit by exam.” This is the jackpot in the book right here. The information that others tell you is available — it’s all listed right here. Every prep test, study guide, website, and online forum are listed, with a helpful description and review of each. I’ve read websites, Facebook pages, and books that didn’t give all the helpful info that Hillary gives.
If you’ve already done some alternative distance learning, you may be familiar with the why and how. You’ll want to go straight to chapters 3-6.
Chapter 7 is called “Motivation,” and is a great resource for the student who needs some guidance on being in charge of their own education. She shares her study habits, inspirations, and what kept her working when she wanted to quit.
Chapters 8-11 have great detail on choosing a degree, outlining the degree plan, finding help through counselors and advisors, choosing a college to accumulate your credits, accreditation, and so, so much more. Hillary will tell you what all of the options are, the pros and cons, what she chose, and why.
Chapters 12 and 13 address concerns about socialization and credentials, as well as life after college. As a homeschool parent, I love her perspective on the socialization issue. Since Hillary’s goal was to earn a degree, college wasn’t meant to be an “experience,” but rather a focused time of learning. I wholeheartedly agree with her.
Chapter 14 is answers to Frequently Asked Questions on every topic addressed in the book. I think the questions are typically going to be those asked by someone who finds the distance learning concept very foreign, or possibly by concerned relatives. : )
The last chapter is extremely valuable. There is a review of each test she took through CLEP and DSST, with helpful notes. This chapter combined with chapters 3-6 make this book stand out from everything else I’ve read on this subject.
My Recommendation
Get this book. Like I said earlier, this is hands down the best I’ve read on the subject, and I’ve been researching it for at least 5 years. For any parent or high school student even slightly interested in learning about alternative methods to earning a degree, this book is worth your time and money. It is a fast, easy read. It can be devoured quickly, and then used over and over again as a reference. It’s for the newbie and the experienced college student. Order at HillaryHarshman.com.
Win a Copy of College Without the Campus
Great news! Hillary is providing TWO copies for my readers to win! Take advantage of all the entry options. And please do me a favor? Share this post with all of your friends! The contest ends April 7, 2017.
Pin it!
I received a free copy of this product from the author in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC regulations.
Nicki Truesdell is a 2nd-generation homeschooler and mother to 5. She loves books, freedom, history and quilts, and blogs about all of these at nickitruesdell.com. She believes that homeschooling can be relaxed and that history is fun, and both can be done with minimal cost or stress, no matter your family’s circumstances. Nicki is a member of the Texas Home Educators Advisory Board and The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Review Crew. You can also find her on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Nicki, I’m so appreciative that you would not only take time to read my book but share such a comprehensive review! I loved how you described my goal for college as a focused time of learning. I hope that the off-campus techniques that allowed me to reach my goal will help other students reach theirs!
Hillary