Okay I’m going to answer these one at a time to the best of my ability.
(question) What exactly do you mean about research papers? Did you do more writing and researching that studying for quizzes and exams?
(answer) Almost all of my coursework was in the form of research papers. Usually between 2 and 8 pages each. I had one research paper due per week per class and the classes were in 6 week formats, so I recommend one at a time unless you are a glutton for punishment. Be aware that the last week always had the largest assignment or paper due. I did get some quizzes but they were few and far between and often they did not replace the research paper that week. I usually had 2 to 3 discussion questions to answer and reply to my peers (2 to 3 of them) per week. It was a pretty hectic workload but it can be done. Expect to spend at least 10 hours per week on each course. If you take 2 courses you’re looking at an easy 20 hours per week doing school work. It basically becomes a second job. By the way, 10 hours per week is only possible if you schedule ahead and be disciplined, otherwise you may find yourself spending as much as 15 to 20 hours a week per course if you do not set goals for yourself and learn the best method of study that works for you.
(question) How was there customer service, specifically academic advisors?
(answer) They were positively wonderful. However I was told 3 times that my credits would not transfer to their school before I went ahead and applied anyways, submitted my transcripts then spoke with the dean of admissions (hard to do at a larger school) about the transfer credits for the college that they wouldn’t accept prior. They reversed their decision and accepted all of my credits. So in short they are great but that doesn’t mean that you will find an obstacle free experience. No school will give you that.
Southwestern College has been one of the most worthwhile experiences of my life. I would love for my kids to go there and that’s saying a lot. The college itself is set in a small town that feels an awful lot like Mayberry off of the Andy Griffith show, it’s really a cool place to go visit and the college itself has a lot of unique and interesting traditions that are a lot of fun to be a part of.
(question) As far as Ashford goes, how do the credits above a 2 year degree (60 or so credits), unless they are jr. or sr. level college courses, transfer in?
(answer) I’m not really sure, you’d have to speak with an advisor on that. Sorry.
(question) He did apply there, and he's been e-mailing his enrollment advisor because they had his start date wrong, and he hasn't heard back from him.
(answer) Unfortunately there are poor enrollment advisors in any college but don’t let that dissuade you. Stay on top of them and if you feel the need ask for a supervisor and tell the supervisor you want a different enrollment advisor and be sure and tell them why. I’ve done this before and although you feel like a jerk, it’s your education we’re talking about. If you don’t feel you’re getting the service you need, let them know. Trust me; Ashford has a customer focus second to no school I’ve ever seen elsewhere. Don’t accept a blow off from some halfwit enrollment advisor who insists on collecting a paycheck without doing their job and don’t let one bad apple ruin the school for you. I will say that I have not experienced this with Ashford myself.
(question) I also read reviews of the college on online degree reviews.com that 50% people love Ashford and 50% hate it.
(answer) Do you have a link? There was a guy at another degree forum that used to make a career of misinformation and singing his song of woe about Ashford. In fact I caught him doing so under multiple different user ID’s which just smacks of a lack of integrity and really sounds like he’s got a personal bone to pick. If you provide a link maybe I can provide some insight.
(question) I know you love it and I'm glad your having a wonderful experience! But not hearing back from him concerns me. He's busy like everyone one else and I hate for him to deal with this kind of stuff while working full time and raising a family and going to school to boot!!
(answer) Honestly it should concern you. It’s hard enough going to school without dealing with people who throw up obstacles for you at every turn. Take my advice above and see how they react. Call, don’t email. Insist on speaking with a human being who is in a position to make decisions. If the school doesn’t know about the problem then they cannot fix it. If you speak to a supervisor however and they still blow you off, wash your hands of them and let me know.
I hope that helps.