AboutValerie Broughton Expertise I can advise high school students and their parents on every aspect of the college search, application, admissions and financial aid processes.
Experience Currently, and for the past ten years, I've served the Midwest as a private college counselor guiding hundreds of families and students through the college admissions maze, matching them with the colleges where the students will thrive and succeed. Prior to starting my own practice, I was a faculty member and administrator at several colleges and universities. Prior to completing my PhD. I taught high school math and was a guidance counselor at a community college.
Organizations I'm a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association, a member of the Higher Educational Consultants Association, and the Minnesota Chapter of the Association of College Admissions Counselors. I'm proud of the fact that I've earned the designation of Certified Educational Planner.
Publications Strictly High School was a publication for high school students and I had a monthly column in that paper. Copies of those articles are available on www.CollegeConnectors.com.
I'm a regular contributor to the KARE 11 morning program where I discuss college admissions topics. Those clips are available on the College Connectors website also.
Education/Credentials My bachelor's degree is in Math Education. My master's degree is in Counseling. My PhD is in Educational Research and Evaluation.
Awards and Honors I was selected and participated in the Harvard University Institute for Educational Management and was supported by a Bush Fellowship for this program. The Duluth Chamber of Commerce selected me as a Leadership Duluth participant.
Past/Present Clients You can see some testimonials from past clients at www.CollegeConnectors.com.
I would like your opinion on accredited for-profit private schools. I am attending the Academy of Art University in S.F for advertising. I had doubts at first since it is a proprietary institution but since i had no other options (i would have to spend another year finishing my GE to get into a State University) and the school is regionally accredited (WASC) i thought it would be a good fit for me. Similar art schools are more expensive (almost double tuition), some do not offer a degree and most are not accredited, even though they are known to be great schools for advertising (Miami Ad, VCU adcenter etc). I thought it would be best to get an accredited bachelors degree even if the school is only considered descent considering my situation. What is your opinion on private for-profit schools that are accredited and the choice i made?
Answer Hi,
I appreciate your carefully worded question. You've definitely been thinking hard about what's the best route for your future.
We shouldn't lump all for-profit schools together. Some are accredited by official accrediting bodies, some are accredited by some board they made up.
It's great that you want to get more education to prepare you for work. I hope you will get your GED though, it's the basis for entry into most accredited institutions.
Of course you need to consider the value of the schooling you purchase, not just the price. If you're having to borrow a lot of money to go to a school that won't really help you in the long run,it might be a waste.
I recommend you finish your GED and find out from the placement office at the Academy of Art University where most of their students get jobs and how much they make at those jobs. Whatever route you take, be sure to always do your best.
