Kaplan University contacted me one day out of the blue and made it seem as if attending college online was the way to go. Since I was caring for my mother at the time it seemed like a perfect fit. Everyone was so helpful and nice to me, that is until the actually classes began. I had never attended college before, this was all very new to me. I was told that I could learn medical transcription and would graduate January 2011 via accelerated classes. Alright, this sounds good so I signed up, went to the FAFSA website and did what I had to do. The classes were so-so, but I was willing to learn. For some reason their main focus was on the writing classes. Now mind you I did not sign up to become a writer, I wanted to learn medical transcription so I could secure a better job for myself and provide for my family while learning something new. I didn't learn one thing about medical transcription but I did learn about the human body.
As time moved on I also had other obligations. Kaplan expected me to ignore these responsibilities and focus mainly on my studies and classes. I had to quit my job in order to complete assignments on time. Caring for an elderly woman and work was enough to tire me out. Kaplan did not care. During Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays part of our assignment was to ask family members rather personal questions which they were not happy about. They felt it was a bit too personal to ask such things and many of my relatives are at that age where you just don't discuss their bodily functions, etc.
Kaplan did not care. I received very low grades but was never told what my grades really were nor were they located anywhere in my grade reports. I constantly asked but never received answers. I did try my best. I spoke to people in the medical field, doctors, nurses, assistants and received valuable information. Information that Kaplan suggested was 'wrong'. I figured if these people have degrees and are working in the medical field how can they be wrong?
I figured I did need some tutoring so I attended a few of the tutoring sessions and for some reason when I entered the chat room no one would speak to me. I sat there completely ignored. A few times during classes when responding to questions many students had snarky remarks or made insinuating remarks and I didn't even know these people. The instructor never said a word to them about their behavior but I was expected to not say a word because the school has a 'policy'.
In late May of 2010 Kaplan informed me quite abruptly that they were dismissing me from the school due to not passing the writing course and for having a low gpa (a gpa I didn't even know). I was told by the SA, Henley Marceleus, that I could return to Kaplan if I attended another school and took the SAME course and passed.
Now why would I return to a school that gave me so much grief? I requested my transcripts a few dozen times and no one will reply to me. I may not be an A student (I was until I attended Kaplan) but I do know that whatever credits I have earned or whatever work was done by me, I have a right to have a copy of my transcripts. Now that I am in debt for over $26,000.00 I would never, ever suggest Kaplan University to even my worst enemy. I can't repay the loans and that means I cannot return to school or even work. Every job I apply to does the same thing. They ignore me or I receive mail suggesting earning a degree. I don't need a degree I need a job.
I didn't sign up to become a writer. I just feel so alone (I know I'm not and I feel for each and every one of you who had to go through similar treatment by these losers).
I just feel like dying now. I have nothing left. No future nothing. Thanks Kaplan I guess that was your whole intention anyway.