Posted: 2/13/2006 1:33:45 PM EDT
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Just sent in my college application to Fox Valley Technical College for the associate degree program in Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement. I should be attending CJLE classes this fall. Now I have to get in shape :) Just wanted to share, since I was bored... ;) |
| Not to be negative, but have you considered a degree in another more usable field, since most PD's will hire with a degree, regardless of major? That way, if you don't get on a PD, or decide not to pursue LE in the future, you can have a degree that's good for another line of work. |
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I thought about it, but I don't really want to fall back on anything else, because I thought my life was meant to go into computers, but since I got into guns, I've been into computers less and less, and that's a good thing. I don't want to be behind a desk or working on computers 8 hours a day. If I can't get a job in LE, I can get a Security Loss Prevention degree in only 2 semesters with the CJLE degree, I know security dont pay much but that way I can fall back on $7-9 / hr if need be :) Never really talked to anyone currently in the program what should I come to expect? IN my current state I'm not very in shape at all, lots of physical related stuff within the college? -David PS- Thanks for the warm congrats. |
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Physical stuff to get hired, certainly. Not sure about within the Academy, but they'll certainly encourage you to get fit. No sense graduating too fat/slow to pass the physical agility test of a department. Whatever else you do, work on your basic math skills, and work hard on your writing ability. Learn to write complete sentences, recognize bad spelling, and know the difference between their, they're, and there. It'll make your work experience much easier (and long-lasting)  . It doesn't matter how good of a cop you are if you can't write a decent report about what you did, or saw.Oh, and have a back-up plan. The average person changes careers something like 3-5 times (?) in their life these days. I'm on my third.  Although it might seem to be your one true dream, be ready and able to do something else. If nothing else, until you land your dream LE job. Security enforcement at $7/hour might be great for LE-related work while you're going through school, but as a long-term career, 
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I should be physically fit (or close to it) by the start of the second / third semester, so that wont be a problem, as long as they dont make me run 144234 miles at the tech :) I have decent grammar skills, considering I used to do some freelance writing :) Thanks. |
David, You'll be starting at the Tech 2 weeks after I graduate. The General Ed classes are not very hard. I've got a few books I'll hang onto and sell 'em to you when you have to take the classes. I've talked to a few people in the law enforcement program and they seem to like it. I've also had some dealings with people in the program who are doing campus security. Did you know it's possible to hit 70mph on the road around the back parking lot road?
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I knew that. I have a total of 5 years going to FVTC, and a degree and a diploma to show for it. |
I can do all the general ed stuff except the math  So if anyone knows Algebra well and wants to tutor me, lol... :)That'd be cool to get some books cheaper. I heard they do alot of cool stuff there? :) |
I guess they let anyone go there huh? 
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That will be decided when they decide whether or not to let you attend!
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Well, I was taking the math and reading ACCUPLACER, and is there any chance you can help me pass those? Because, I failed them miserably, the reading one is ghey, like 3/4 of the questions are right but you have to decide which one is most right... well apparently I think differently than their system. And I can't do algebra and fractions anymore... lol :) |
| I didn't have to take any of those tests to get into FVTC. All I had to do was show them my high school transcripts and I was all set. I was in the Electro-Mechanical program which was HEAVY on the math, which I thought was my weak area, but it turns out that I am a capable math student. They have GOAL classes for those who have weak skills. Did you look into taking a GOAL class or 2? |
yeah my Aunt called me she works in admissions there, she said she can get my application processed faster because she works there, but she said I need to be able to pass those ACCUPLACER tests, and she said if I fail those I have to take GOAL classes, and she said I dont want to take those... so... lol Im like worried now, I'll have an alser (sp) soon |
Ulser. Don't worry about the Accuplacer. It's not too hard. But study anyway. I scored pretty high but I know some others that had to take GOAL. 
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Ulcer. When you are my age you will have one and know how to spell it.
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Well, I went in yesterday for the ACCUPLACER test, all nervous afraid of failure, I did pass the test, so I'm not officially in the college. I go in a couple weeks for orientation and to get signed up for this falls Criminal Justice / Law Enforcement program!!! Thanks for the support ;) Oh this gives me a reason to get a XD 45 now :) |