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pragmatist comments on Open Thread, July 1-15, 2013 - Less Wrong
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Seeking Educational Advice...
I imagine some LW user have these questions, or can answer them. Sorry if this isn’t the right place (but point me to the right place please!).
I’m thinking of returning to university to study evolution/biology, the mind, IT, science-type stuff.
Are there any legitimate way (I mean actually achievable, you have first-hand experience, can point to concrete resources) to attend an adequate university for no or low-cost?
How can I measure my aptitude for various fields (for cheap/free)? (I did an undergrad degree in education which was so easy I don't know if I could make the grades in a demanding field).
My first undergrad degree (education) was non-science, so should I go back for another undergrad degree, or try to fill gaps on my own and do a post-grad in something with science?
I've started investigating free online education (lesswrong, edx, coursera, etc) but I have concerns: don't I need credentials? Don't I need classmates/colleagues/collaborators to help teach me, motivate me, and supply me with equipment? How do I know if I really understand the material? How do I address these concerns?
p.s. – I’m all for “munchkin” style answers/solutions to these problems, so long as they are actually feasible
I went to a college in the United States where admissions are need-blind (they don't consider how much financial aid you'll need in their decision to admit you) and that offers full-need aid (once admitted, they will meet any financial need you demonstrate). I was an international student, so the aid was not in the form of a loan, but a straight-up grant. I basically ended up paying nothing to go to a college that normally charges $60k+ a year. So if you're not American, this is a possibility. If you are American, I understand that most (all?) of the financial aid is in the form of federal loans, which you may or may not want to incur.
Wikipedia says there are only seven US universities that offer full need-blind aid to international students. There are many more that are need-blind and full-need for US students, although this will probably involve loans. That Wikipedia page also lists four non-US universities that offer need-blind and full-need aid to all applicants. If you are American, applying to one of those may be a better bet, because you might get a grant instead of a loan. I've heard good things about the National University of Singapore.