Wow so DeVry must be like the worst school on the planet lol. Alright brethren I did take my asvab and only scored a 48 then took it again and got like a 86. They call constantly so I let the answering machine answer all my calls now... Okay computer science it is...
Thing is. Programming and that sort of the stuff can be taught on your own and languages change and evolve over time. So, those schools only teach programming and what's out there, but by the time you graduate things might have changed drastically. You would have a hard time adapting to the newer stuff. I can teach myself programming, etc. on my own. There are many books on the subject. Now, the same can happen if you get a CS degree at a university, BUT they teach you basic foundation skills that help you adapt and learn new and even develop languages on your own. It's like going to school to learn how to fix cars versus going to school to learn how to design cars. Two very different levels and devry stuff... you'll hit the academic ceiling very quickly and feel like you wasted your money and a good portion of your life.
Agreed. As someone who has personally taken, taught and designed the curriculum for both undergraduate and graduate level computer science courses at a "top" university (including a game design course), I can say that students only truly learn and expand their knowledge if they want to. Sure, you can memorize language constructs and get a good grade in a class, but it is how you apply the knowledge that matters. Having said that, some people don't need a college course to succeed in programming (or any other field), but others thrive in the environment and learn a lot more in a classroom setting than on their own. The same applies to online classes too. It is very easy to take an online course and simply not do the work on time. I would actually say (again, from personal experience) that taking online courses requires considerably more dedication and effort that traditional classes because you have to learn how to manage your time more effectively. It may seem like an "easy" option, but if you don't have the right mentality, an online course will just lead to frustration and failure.
Personally, the only thing I ever learned at college is how to cram. I'd say the whole thing is a waste of time, except if you don't have that piece of paper you'll be working twice has hard your whole life for less while the guy next to you who isn't qualified gets paid three times more than you do. Just to illustrate my point, I work for a Marketing research firm, my department's main purpose is to deliver said research to clients via online applications. The operations manager at my job has a degree in Spanish - a subject totally unrelated to his field. You'd think they'd hire someone with a degree in programming or computer science, right? Nope. It doesn't matter what the degree is in, all that matters is that you actually have a degree. So go to school for underwater basket weaving if you want, as long as you get that Bachelors that's all they care about.
I strongly disagree. If you go to the right university and are committed to the course then it has an enormously positive affect on your life and career. Having both is the trick though. I wish I had taken a few years out then gone to university, in hindsight. I think for many people, university at 18 is too young.
I think this is true, but only outside the scientific and technical fields. Ever since the demise of the American high school, employers have gravitated toward the 4-year college degree as the new sign that you're not a total screw-up. But if you go to a decent school, study a serious field, and put in an honest effort I still think it's possible to get a worthwhile, practical education.
Well the programming field I won't have a problem adapting because really thats what I like to do is research on my own and build upon it. 18 maybe too young yes but I do have a certain maturity that i believe I could handle such a school, I'm already under a lot of pressure as is. I just want to do something to pursue my dream, I mean all my life my work on projects and my hobbies point to this one specific goal and I really want to be qualified to get there any way possible.
Is there any specific reason you chose devry? i.e grades or SAT scores being too low. But if that isnt the case I think you should look at this thread on this forum I remember seeing some good info about game design colleges/universities http://www.modacity.net/forums/showpost.php?p=375867&postcount=1
Don't remind me.. I'm 21 now and was still getting calls until a couple months back... If I keep up with how i'm doing in college right now though... ...I'm going to end up giving them a call...
