GCU

When I first spoke with the Grand Canyon University, I was very highly impressed.  I was able to have a conversation with the woman; and she truly let me tell her about what I wanted and desired out of furthering my education.  We spoke for quite awhile, and she encouraged me to speak with other universities and even told me good questions to ask.  She encouraged me to do my homework and assured me that she would do hers as well.

In the mean time, I heard from tons of other universities!  And yes, as you could probably guess, I was not nearly as impressed as I was with GCU.  I felt like I was on the phone with telemarketers - constantly.  I asked the questions I was to ask - and did not get the sincere responses that I desired.  Talking to other universities made GCU stand out to me that much further.  The main difference I can find is "support and encouragement" versus "diploma mill."  I'm not saying that all other universities are "diploma mills," but what I can say is that the majority of the other universities that I spent time on the phone with, returning phone calls/emails, etc, I felt either I was on the phone with telemarketers, or together we would come to the conclusion that I was just not a right fit for their school or programs.


Whatever the case, I told my parents what I was actually considering while out for my birthday - Feb. 1.  It was strange to tell them; like I said, this Hyde County girl has never even thought of such experiences.  The idea was new to them as well, but they were supportive.  I stayed in touch with GCU (and other universities, as they continued to contact me) throughout time.  And although it was made clear to me that I could complete the program entirely online (with the exception of a few visits to the university regarding my dissertation), I became more interested in actually meeting these people, experiencing Phoenix for myself, and actually checking out the university