Western Governors University Questions and Answers / Threads related to WGU

earweed

The only tests which HAVE to be taken at a prometric or VUE are the IT exams. All the others can be taken with the home web monitor. You can also make arrangements to have them taken somewhere else like a library or something. You need to contact your mentor about this issue.

erpadmin

earweed wrote: »

The only tests which HAVE to be taken at a prometric or VUE are the IT exams.

It can be very uncomfortable taking the exam at home. If your hands go somewhere they're not supposed to, your exam CAN be shut off, and you'll have to reschedule. That was some of the horror stories I had read about before I had my first OLP experience. Sitting in the same position for over an hour is not fun and then acting like a blackjack dealer after the end of your deal....lol. Not cute. Look forward to my second experience Tuesday morning for CLC1.

SephStorm

I recieved the package recently, but my mentor wants me to schedule at least one at a testing center, until we can test the online system, see if there will be any issues. I am overseas, so timing is an issue too. I wonder if I should just wait until I get back to the states? I could complete some more certs, knock out more credits...

Thxlbx

How long into your first term does it take to get your access to the book 24 X 7? I don't have any login information yet, and I was under the impression we were automatically enrolled for it. Does it just take awhile like taskstream, or this is something I need to ask my mentor about? Thanks!

eansdad

I think it takes 10 days from your 1st talk with your mentor and after EWB.

Thxlbx

I got an email this afternoon will login info. It appears I am in! Thanks!

Thxlbx

One more question about the Books 24 X 7. Do you have to read them on your computer..or can you also access them via a kindle or another e-reader? Was considering an e-reader, if these books can be accessed via one that would probably seal the deal. Thanks!

sthompson86

What maths are required for WGU? Lets say the Networking Design branch. I have talked to the WGU reps online, and all they say for math is you will need Foundational College Mathmatics - My question is what is that? is it college algebra? is there in calc? The guy I talked to from WGU was about as scripted as a robot.

Thanks in advanced.

petedude

sthompson86 wrote: »

What maths are required for WGU? Lets say the Networking Design branch. I have talked to the WGU reps online, and all they say for math is you will need Foundational College Mathmatics - My question is what is that? is it college algebra? is there in calc? The guy I talked to from WGU was about as scripted as a robot.

Thanks in advanced.

Algebra with a little stats and geometry thrown in.

earweed

I've purchased most of the books but my books are paid for. Some of the classes can be done without purchasing the books. For instance the Javascript course can be done with just the book WGU sends you. I would also recommend getting the APA book for writing research papers as this book has helped me immensely.

demonfurbie

earweed wrote: »

I've purchased most of the books but my books are paid for. Some of the classes can be done without purchasing the books. For instance the Javascript course can be done with just the book WGU sends you. I would also recommend getting the APA book for writing research papers as this book has helped me immensely.

i do like the fact most if not all books are paid for

but i still do get other books, at least for the comptia classes

comptia books arent all that great

Krusty_47

I'm going through the application process right now and am a little worried about the Readiness assessment. I've been in and out of college for 10 years now and I'm a little rusty on a lot of the subjects outside of the technology related fields.

I was wanting to ask if someone knew what I should brush up on to make sure I get through that process. I'm pretty sure it would take much I just want to be prepared.

Any Help would be greatly appreciated.

Excellent1

Krusty_47 wrote: »

I'm going through the application process right now and am a little worried about the Readiness assessment. I've been in and out of college for 10 years now and I'm a little rusty on a lot of the subjects outside of the technology related fields.

I was wanting to ask if someone knew what I should brush up on to make sure I get through that process. I'm pretty sure it would take much I just want to be prepared.

Any Help would be greatly appreciated.

The math is very basic, if you remember how to multiple and divide fractions, and very basic algebra, you'll be fine. The exam I had also had some generic reading comprehension type questions. I believe I also had a small writing section, but this was again nothing difficult. Just watch for basic grammar and you'll be fine.

It had been approximately 18 years since I had taken an "exam", so if I could pass it, I'm sure you'll be fine. Don't stress it, and good luck.

jayfitt

Hi everyone,

Great thread!

I plan to start WGU next year, but want to complete some of my gen-ed classes through Straighterline to save some shekels. Anyone here done Straighterline? Should I wait to apply to WGU until after my Straighterline classes are done?

Thanks guys...

arwes

jayfitt wrote: »

Hi everyone,

Great thread!

I plan to start WGU next year, but want to complete some of my gen-ed classes through Straighterline to save some shekels. Anyone here done Straighterline? Should I wait to apply to WGU until after my Straighterline classes are done?

Thanks guys...

I would check with WGU beforehand to see if they would allow that to transfer. That said, wouldn't CLEP exams be a bit more cost efficient?

petedude

arwes wrote: »

I would check with WGU beforehand to see if they would allow that to transfer. That said, wouldn't CLEP exams be a bit more cost efficient?

Only if CLEPs cover the competencies in question. I think you mean "cost effective" as well. If there's no equivalent CLEP, DSST, TESC or Excelsior exam, then Straighterline can be a decently priced, quick option. WGU is a Straighterline partner as well, so I'd have to imagine there's a good possibility the courses would transfer.

arwes

Cost efficient means cost effective and is the term I generally use, but thanks for the clarification on Straighterline.

eansdad

If you don't know the meterial then I guess Straighterline would be a way to go. Far cheaper to pick up a current used CLEP book and take a CLEP exam though.

Jack2

Done with EWB the first three days and already studying for the first three classes. Finally got my AAV out of the way with my Mentor~!

I should be able to get the CIW and A+ out of the way before the end of December.

erpadmin wrote: »

Wow, no GE classes....very nice. You should have no problem going through your program! Best of luck in your studies! I think you left out LET1 and ORC1 though....and MGC1 and of course the Capstone...

And what earweed said.

Krusty_47

Has anyone tried to double major? I was thinking about doing it myself and getting the NDM and Security majors. If you have done this I would love to hear your experience.

veritas_libertas

Krusty_47 wrote: »

Has anyone tried to double major? I was thinking about doing it myself and getting the NDM and Security majors. If you have done this I would love to hear your experience.

Personally I think I it would be a waste of time and money. What your emphasis is in doesn't matter as much as people say it does.

blittrell

Hi All,

Was planning on starting WGU in January and got my curriculum for the first 6 months, it is 5 classes, 1 being a CIW cert test, 2 being CompTIA, essentials/applications. I was looking at CompTIA and CIW descriptions and it looks really basic, like I could probably walk in there and pass the test without studying. Anyone have recommendations on whether I should look at piling on more classes? I sent my registration consultant the question of whether I could add more classes if I finish the ones scheduled earlier then the 6 months, I have not heard anything back yet.

Are the CompTIA/CIW classes harder then what I am seeing?

eansdad

They set up up for a minimum of 12 CUs but they can add more. I started Oct 1st and have finished 18 with 2 OLPs set for Sun that will add another 8 and a class I need to finish up the assessment that will add another 3. That will make 29 CUs in 2 months and I have mapped out 62 for my 1st term. As for the A+ classes, everything seems easy enough (I'm currently going through the Labsim) I just have an anxiety to tech exams. So if you do well on the practice exams then you should be ok. The CIW Foundations (WFV1) was a little tricky for me since I haven't done a lot of HTML coding in a long while. It is a lot of HTML and networking basics with some business tossed in. This has some good info on it for the exam CIW Foundations Study Guide. Good luck at WGU.

Jagged

Krusty_47 wrote: »

Has anyone tried to double major? I was thinking about doing it myself and getting the NDM and Security majors. If you have done this I would love to hear your experience.

http://kb.wgu.edu/display/2n/kb/article.asp?aid=1027:

The WGU policy on second degree matriculation dictates that:

• Students wishing to matriculate into a WGU baccalaureate degree program who already hold a BA or BS degree from a regionally or DETC accredited institution may only do so if the WGU degree will require a minimum of 24 CUs (the equivalent of two terms of work);
  
• Students wishing to matriculate into a WGU master’s degree program who already hold a BA or BS degree from WGU may only do so if the WGU degree will require the completion of at least one domain of study in addition to any required clinical or capstone work;
  
• Students wishing to matriculate into a WGU master’s degree program who already hold a WGU master’s degree or a master’s degree from a regionally or DETC accredited institution may only do so if the WGU degree will require the completion of at least one domain of study in addition to any clinical or capstone work;
  
• Students may not complete two MBA, two MAT, or two MED degree programs;
  
• Students may not matriculate into two WGU programs simultaneously.

Sounds like even coming back for a second IT track after graduation is not allowed. But you should be able to say get an BS-IT then start a BS-Business degree. You may even be able to do BS-IT/BS-IT-Management, but I think someone in that case my be better off with one of the non-IT Business degrees for a nicer resume.

sthompson86

jayfitt wrote: »

Hi everyone,

Great thread!

I plan to start WGU next year, but want to complete some of my gen-ed classes through Straighterline to save some shekels. Anyone here done Straighterline? Should I wait to apply to WGU until after my Straighterline classes are done?

Thanks guys...

I plan on doing what ever I can Gen-ed wise at my local CC. For maths etc I prefer to have a actual teacher.

petedude

jayfitt wrote: »

Hi everyone,

Great thread!

I plan to start WGU next year, but want to complete some of my gen-ed classes through Straighterline to save some shekels. Anyone here done Straighterline? Should I wait to apply to WGU until after my Straighterline classes are done?

Thanks guys...

Straighterline will work, but why not take some CLEPs/DSSTs? You can pace yourself, and it'd be a good prep for doing the self-study work you'll do with WGU.

veritas_libertas

Lets remember that this thread is not for debating WGU's policies, but rather to inform current WGU IT students and people considering WGU about WGU.

citinerd

What can I expect during the intake interview? Do they discuss the classes that are transfered in with the certs and degree?

veritas_libertas

I just added this link to the thread:

Transferable IT Certifications

petedude

How many revisions do we get, generally? I seem to remember two. If you don't make the grade on the second, what happens? My poor recollection says they charge you for any further resubmissions.