American Public University System

It's basically a university that gives as much as you put into it. At times I did feel like I was floundering, at times I did feel lost in my courses as if I was trying to figure out which direction to go in. But that's when the faculty come in; they're very understanding towards those with learning disabilities, and the additional help they offer through their career services center, connections to honor societies, and student advisors that guide you through completing your degree and attaining mentorships, really made pursuing my degree stress-free. That's why if you're a motivated learner, this university is ideal in the wealth of opportunities it affords you; you just have to be able to inquire and pursue them.

Sometimes courses had textbooks in assigned readings, but others weren't instructed using a textbook. Instead, it was either by lectures that had references posted on ending slides, articles from different scientific committees, or even Hank Green's Crash Course videos. I would have preferred more reading materials that were research journals instead of making reading the research articles a part of just the assignment criteria, but a part of everyday reading. That would have been hard, especially for someone with ADHD, but I feel like I would have a better understanding if we went through scholarly articles in class. Additionally, if you take online courses at this university you don't get to keep all of the materials provided in the student portal for the rest of your years until graduation. There's about a 2-month period and then the classroom shuts down. I'm not sure how it is at other universities, I just know that at the last online university I attended this wasn't the case. I was able to revisit past materials in classes for several months.

I like the ability to go at my own pace and having professors that are more than welcome to help you with your needs to assist you in being successful in your field.

Online Classes

I like that is affordable for US Military members and their families.

I don't like some of the professors that treat their classes as part-time minimum wage jobs. They just get it over with and do not put in the effort with their students.

The students were a complete blessing! My fellow students and I got to know one another pretty well and everyone was so respectful and kind.

The only problems I ever had at APUS was the one time when religious values and morals were being pushed onto the students a bit too much by a professor (especially for a World Religions course) and an incident where I had to appeal a plagiarism accusation that ended up ruling in my favor (because I do not plagiarize).

The main thing that I adore about American Public University is that It is military-friendly meaning that it is very understanding when it came to deadlines and extensions as being active duty, scheduling is out of our control which is why it is seen as a great school for active members.

I like the flexibility of scheduling. Completing classes online is good for my focus and it makes it easy to keep up with school work. It lets me space out my classes so I have time to study for each one, as well. APUS is a good school for those with a busy life or several responsibilities that get in the way of a regular schooling experience.

I don't like how high the tuition is. It's a fairly expensive school, though federal aid is applicable.