Complaint Review: Atlantic County Institute Of Technology

I attended ACIT (Atlantic County Institute of Technology) in 2005 for one month in the adult Cosmetology class. After joking with another classmate about becoming a "contract killer" because it makes more money instead of doing hair, following a conversation about the Sopranos, I was then removed from the class for "terroristic threats".

The principal told me he would allow me back in school after I received a psychiatric evaluation. I was told (BY HIM) to go to Atlantic City Mainland Division, who then directed me to the City Division. After missing two days of school (because he refused to take me off of my hours and everyday I missed counted against) I spent about 8 hours in the hospital, waiting. I finally received the evaluation from a psychiatrist and received a note from the nurse that I was cleared to return to school, (both who thought the whole thing was ridiculous)

I returned the letter to the principal and he refused to take it because it was signed by a nurse. (After he directed me to this hospital)

Then he proceeded to tell me that I had to have another evaluation, I had no medical insurance and I am 21, living on my own and I received a hospital bill for $800 to cover my first visit.

This time he said that there were no place available for me to have an evaluation for 2 months, but I could only miss 12 days of school or I would fail and I couldn't not return without the note. How is it possible for me to wait 60 days for an evaluation but only miss 12 days of school or fail for the year?

So he gave me the option to "voluntarily withdraw". He told me that my hours AND TUITION WERE GOOD FOR 5 YEARS. I should reciev the evaluation and return at the same time that I had left next year. Since this was my only option I agreed. I requested this in writing stressing the fact that the tuition must be good as well, being I had already paid 3,000 for the year. He informed me that he will send me a copy in writing.

Next year came and before my year would have started I went to the school to find EXACTLY where I was required to go to receive the evaluation, not wishing to spend another, wasted $800 or more.

He then told me I was required to have a series of evaluations before returning and I was supposed to return in September because I had only attended for one month and I had to redo the "orientation" month. Then, I told him I would have to return next year instead, being I didn't do this and I was told my tuition and hours were good for 5 years. He told me because I withdrew my tuition was no longer good once I left, and he claimed that he never stated that. The writing I received was a piece of paper that said nothing more than you have voluntarily withdrew from the Cosmetology program.

The principal of this school is one of the biggest scam artist I have ever met. I will respond with his name as soon as possible because I don't remember and don't have it available at this time.

So now I am out $3000 for the year over $400 in required supplies and books and $800 for a medical bill. Another student in my class became pregnant and withdrew before me, she came into my job one day and I explained what had happened and she said he told her the same thing.

This institute is a rip off and it fails to live up to it's promises, and steals money from people who are trying to further their education as an adult.


Galloway, New Jersey
U.S.A.