- Report: #193640
Complaint Review: Penn Foster Career Schools
| Penn Foster Career Schools 925 Oak Street
Scranton, Pennsylvania U.S.A. |
|
Penn Foster Career Schools Highly questionable practices, Misleading Course Titles Ripoff Scranton Pennsylvania
*General Comment: Yeah right.
*General Comment: Update
*Consumer Comment: Pennfoster is trouble!
*Consumer Comment: Don't mislead individuals about the United States Armed Service(s)
*Consumer Comment: Don't mislead individuals about the United States Armed Service(s)
*Consumer Comment: Just because you didn't have a bad experince doesn't mean everyone has good experince so who cares if you disagree
*Consumer Comment: Penn Foster is a great school
*REBUTTAL Owner of company: Too Funny
*General Comment: UMMMMM
*Consumer Suggestion: Research Before You Buy & Use Spell Check
*Consumer Comment: Penn Foster Career School
*General Comment: People Who Can't Spell telling People Who Can't Spell that they Cant Spell ha
*Consumer Comment: penn foster ex student
*Consumer Comment: Freelance Writer?
*Consumer Comment: Penn Foster is not a rip-off
*Consumer Suggestion: Let's call it like it is please...
*Consumer Suggestion: If you wish to be taken more seriously...
*Consumer Comment: PennFoster-not a rip-off
*Consumer Comment: Penn Foster is a legit School ... September 2007
*Consumer Suggestion: I am a Current Student Also Took Classes In 2004 Also
*Author of original report: Update
*Author of original report: It appears to me that the BBB of PA doesn't seem to intrested in following up or even coming to a real conclusion. They just want to close the case.
*Author of original report: Update
*Author of original report: Update
*Author of original report: Update
*Author of original report: Update
*Author of original report: update
*Author of original report: update
*Author of original report: update
*Author of original report: update
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In reality it is more of a half hearted reporter's course. The majority of the course was reading a book and answering mutable choice questions, only submitted four manuscripts for the entire course.
The books didn't go far enough into chacater development, plot and story line to be concidered a course for novelist. The course covered the basics of the industry as far as genere and terminology.
NOTE: It required a synopsis as part of a final exam but failed to cover the synopsis in any of material I read. I had to turn to other sources for material to finish the course.
When I did submit a manuscript for the second time, it was failed and editied by an unknown person who they refused to disclose to me on who, where, or what cradentials this person had as an editor. They stated "We send the Exams out, I cannot tell you who grades them, and you don't want to talk to that person anyways."
That manuscript was full of degrading and unethical remarks. I did file a complanit with the english department who gave a passing grade, did point out the true errors but failed to respond to the unprofessional editotor or even apalogize for the remarks that were offensive.
I have two more exam or manuscripts that I am waiting to be returned, I do not know what the editor wrote, but one barely passed as the grades are posted before your exam comes back.
I would very much like to hear from anyone who enrolled and had problems with thier course, I am doing my own investgation into the ethical practices of these institutions.
If there is a forum avable to studnets I would to know about it.
Thank You for your time.
Rachel
Williamson, New York
U.S.A.
This report was posted on Ripoff Report on 05/28/2006 07:31 AM and is a permanent record located here: http://www.ripoffreport.com/r/Penn-Foster-Career-Schools/Scranton-Pennsylvania-18515/Penn-Foster-Career-Schools-Highly-questionable-practices-Misleading-Course-Titles-Ripoff-193640. The posting time indicated is Arizona local time. Arizona does not observe daylight savings so the post time may be Mountain or Pacific depending on the time of year.
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Search Tips#1 General Comment
Yeah right.
AUTHOR: Kimmi - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, March 14, 2013
If I had to grade your complaints you would get a fail for those too. It seems you're just angry that you were told you stink and this is you being vindictive about it. Good grades are earned, they don't just hand them out, especially when you take it to a website like this and throw a hissy fit.
It honestly appears as if the fault here is your own. You might want to think of a different career.
#2 General Comment
Update
AUTHOR: Thisschoolsucks - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, February 05, 2013
I just want to warn everyone to STAY AWAY from PennFoster. This school has given me nothing but headaches. You don't get up-to-date information for your class. You get old school hand me downs about 6+ years old. At first when i started contacting a professor it seemed like they wanted to help but as time went on it seemed like a chore to the and that they really didn't want to help at all. I even sent in one project and their "5 year old system" corrupted my file and they only got part of it. Then they argue with me for over a month and say its my fault and that i had to re-do it. I did re-do it 3 times and still nothing. Their email would only receive my messages part of the time and they wouldn't do anything. They kept saying its not our fault. Give us your money and suck one. So i will make sure everyone knows what kind of school this is and save you the headache and pain that i went through.
#3 Consumer Comment
Pennfoster is trouble!
AUTHOR: Harley - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, June 28, 2012
We have paid over $500 to Pennfoster for no reason. When we set everything up, they claimed that they were accredited and accepted by all colleges. When I asked if the college I was going to attend accepted their diploma, they lied to me and said they had just sent a students transcripts to the college I was going to attend. About 2 weeks ago, the college called me and asked if I had my GED. When I told them I didnt, they responded that they do not accept Pennfoster because they are not actually accredited and their "courses" are out of date. Luckily, I found one college that is willing to accept the diploma, as long as I take "refesher" courses also.
No, Pennfoster may not be a TOTAL scam. However, do not trust them. Their courses such as Photography, Interior Design, and other classes are okay to take. The only reason I say that is because you will have a license to do whatever it is you complete.. If you are in highschool and plan on going to college (not through them), DO NOT GO THROUGH PENNFOSTER!! You will regret it.
#4 Consumer Comment
Don't mislead individuals about the United States Armed Service(s)
AUTHOR: Rock - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, February 19, 2012
I am presently a student at Penn Foster. I will post a review after my first year. My concern here in Pennsylvania is that I have found not a 4 year university to accept any credits from Penn Foster nor a community college. I have paid for the program and will finish, just as I read and pay for a newspaper.
#5 Consumer Comment
Don't mislead individuals about the United States Armed Service(s)
AUTHOR: Rock - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, February 19, 2012
I am presently a student at Penn Foster. I will post a review after my first year. My concern here in Pennsylvania is that I have found not a 4 year university to accept any credits from Penn Foster nor a community college. I have paid for the program and will finish, just as I read and pay for a newspaper.
#6 Consumer Comment
Just because you didn't have a bad experince doesn't mean everyone has good experince so who cares if you disagree
AUTHOR: Charles - (USA)
SUBMITTED: Friday, November 18, 2011
#7 Consumer Comment
Penn Foster is a great school
AUTHOR: Msdavi - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Friday, November 18, 2011
#8 REBUTTAL Owner of company
Too Funny
AUTHOR: Judy - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Monday, March 21, 2011
#10 Consumer Suggestion
Research Before You Buy & Use Spell Check
AUTHOR: mcshawnboy - (United States of America)
SUBMITTED: Friday, January 28, 2011
I became interested in Penn Foster Jewelry Repair course via a sponsored add from Facebook while researching jewelry supplies. The Ripoff Report's the first place I look for consumer info, but it didn't show up in my first search.
I did find a site that reviews online schools & feedback from students, both good and bad comments.http://www.onlinedegreereviews.org/college/penn-foster-reviews/
If your interests are in writing it'd be beneficial to use Spell Check, especially when writing a complaint letter.
#11 Consumer Comment
Penn Foster Career School
AUTHOR: Solitude2008 - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, January 09, 2010
Secondly, it's very easy these days to get online and check a company's reputation through the BBB. Were anyone to do so, they'd see for themselves that the school is indeed not a rip-off. To be honest, you have made no valid points in saying that Penn Foster is a rip-off or a scam. The way you succeed in the program for the most part is on your shoulders, and I suspect that you are not putting much effort in, which may be why you are not getting the results you are apparently whining for and yet unwilling to study for.
I'm enlisting in the Navy and my backup plan is to be a Veterinary Technician, and if this school were indeed a rip-off than I highly doubt that the Armed Forces would be interested in recruiting me, don't you? With that said, this report in itself is a rip-off, and to the poster, I say this:
Before you badmouth a company to the public, have your facts in order. Make valid points and be ready to back up what you say with straightforward proof/evidence. Penn Foster is actually a great program with many rewards for those willing to put in their fair share of work and effort. It would be a shame for someone that is perhaps a little naive to read your report and reconsider being a part of Penn Foster all because you cannot complete your assignments correctly.
#12 General Comment
People Who Can't Spell telling People Who Can't Spell that they Cant Spell ha
AUTHOR: Kara - (Canada)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, December 24, 2009
#13 Consumer Comment
penn foster ex student
AUTHOR: victoria - (USA)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, December 03, 2009
I know they are crooks,from reading the other comment below i am really scared now because they have my bank info . i will take care of that first thing in the morning,
I didn't have a good experience with them accused of plagerism and they have hidden fees, now they say I owe something I don't have to show anythng for, I have news for them, I am not paying 600.00 for a course they decided they wanted me to fail so they can get more money, it's like they suck you dry until you quit. they know they will not get anymore from me, as far as the threats they said they are not true either about if i dont pay up , i will never go to another college they can hold it against me, well let them try i am waiting
#14 Consumer Comment
Freelance Writer?
AUTHOR: Candacerb - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, June 11, 2009
#15 Consumer Comment
Penn Foster is not a rip-off
AUTHOR: Lizzy - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, May 31, 2009
#16 Consumer Suggestion
Let's call it like it is please...
AUTHOR: Alcoatari - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, December 30, 2008
But alas, my point is this: Given your bad grammar and spelling, and faulty typing, it is very possible that your manuscripts were not readable. That's not to say your stories were bad, just that no one could see the story underneath all of the errors.
I am going to venture a guess that some of my comments here resemble those given to you by the contractors who performed your reviews.
Brush up on your English Language skills and I don't think you will have any problems.
Getting published, on the other hand, will be even more difficult than what this school put you through. Often times, the agents or editors won't even send you feedback; they will simply throw your material into the trash.
This is especially true if your cover letter is sprinkled with the telltale signs of someone with a very poor grasp of basic English.
Also, to Amy: here is a little taste of your own medicine.
In your post you used the improper form of there when you should have used the form their second paragraph, second line. Also you've misspelled accredited twice.
If you're going to call someone out on their English skills, you may want to double check your own.
#17 Consumer Suggestion
If you wish to be taken more seriously...
AUTHOR: Chiliheadwizard - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, December 11, 2008
One glaring problem I have with this, however, concerns your writing skills in the first place. You express an interest in a writing course, but your spelling has been atrocious in multiple posts. We are all human and I would expect the occasional typo, but your spelling is consistently horrible. I said to myself, "This person wants to be taken seriously as a writer?"
I am not sure exactly what the editor said about your work, but I remember my English composition professor in college. Some of her students were convinced she was a direct descendent of the Marquis de Sade due to her harsh comments on our essays. Teachers are there to teach, and oftentimes they have to be the proverbial Simon (from "American Idol") or Piers (from "America's Got Talent") in order to whip their students into ship shape if they care at all. My chemistry professors were nice guys but often they, too, would chew the class out if the class in general did a poor job on an exam.
If my reading of many reviews are any indication, professional critics can be the meanest. Whether or not I like a performer, a book, an author, a movie, or the like, I sit there at times and wonder who leaked in their Cheerios. Perhaps the editors and teachers at this school, as the proverbial Simon and Piers, are giving you a taste of what it means to be writer? If and when you go out into the real world and have to deal with them, you may wish you had these people back on your case.
#18 Consumer Comment
PennFoster-not a rip-off
AUTHOR: Amy - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, November 29, 2008
I have a friend who works for the Maryland Department of Rehabilitation and PennFoster is an acredited school that the state of Maryland uses to re-educate there clients who are no longer able to continue the work that they were previously doing due to medical issues.
As with any school (internet or not) you should research the course or program that you are interested in and find an appropriate school that is acredited. You should compare schools and prices---as the old saying goes "You get what you pay for."
I am currently considering a online program but before I make my choice I will research my options and make some phone calls and compare the online schools with local colleges in my area. I want to be sure I am getting what I pay for and to be sure that the local employers in my area will accept the degree from the school I choose. I also want to make sure that the information I have learned is enough for me to be able to take the exams needed to be board certified by the state that I choose to work in.
#19 Consumer Comment
Penn Foster is a legit School ... September 2007
AUTHOR: Ken P - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Sunday, September 02, 2007
Other than the study material concerning Windows Software being a few years outdated, the lessons are very good. I thought I knew a little something about DTP until I started this course, however I was very wrong.
As far as materials are concerned, it would have cost me more money to purchase the materials I have received from Penn Foster than I have paid for the course. The course was $699, and the Adobe InDesign software they sent is that much alone if you buy it retail. Not to mention the $50 Classroom in a Book textbook, the Penn Foster textbooks, the shipping charges they paid, as well as the other supplements and materials they have sent.
The staff at Penn Foster has been very quick to respond to the couple of emails I have sent regarding the course, and resolved my problems to my satisfaction. There is no delay in receiving courses, as they are ahead of me consistantly, even though I proceeded through the first half of the course very quickly.
In short, if you use common sense and pick your courses carefully, You should have a good experience. I agree that some courses should not be offered by mail or online, such as the TV Repair course, or something else that requires hands-on training (like cooking), but if you are willing to take the course anyway, you get what you pay for.
I know I am getting what I paid for.
Ken
North Carolina
#20 Consumer Suggestion
I am a Current Student Also Took Classes In 2004 Also
AUTHOR: Margaret - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Thursday, May 17, 2007
I feel that the courses they offer and the type of material is a value and think of it like this: If one thinks they are interested in a possible career and they take a $600-800 certificate program and they end up not being interested, they have gained additional education/knowledge but have not wasted a lot of money. I don't know about the other courses aside from what I am currently taken and what I have taken, but if a person was interested in working in an office as an admin, etc. The Admin course program is excellent and definately gives one enough training for an entry level position.
#22 Author of original report
It appears to me that the BBB of PA doesn't seem to intrested in following up or even coming to a real conclusion. They just want to close the case.
AUTHOR: Rachel - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Saturday, September 30, 2006
The 2 and 3rd reports deal with security issues of my personal infor that was sent off campus to a private residence without my permission and about the eployee breaking thier own policies.
I have looked on the BBB od scranton PA for the total number of complaints filed with them against this co. 237 reports that they had listed. I don't know how far back those reports go, could be months or weeks.
Out of the 237 reports only 53 people accepted the BBB suggestion.
The first report filed with the BBB was blantly refused as even an issue with the co. I rebutted the co descicion and suddenly the report was closed with no further investigation.
It appears to me that the BBB of PA doesn't seem to intrested in following up or even coming to a real conclusion. They just want to close the case.
The last two reports deal with identity security--they just ignored them completely.
#23 Author of original report
Update
AUTHOR: Rachel - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, September 12, 2006
I finally recieved my 'diploma' after the so called 'professional editor' returned my final undgraded because she didn't like what I wrote for a short story.
I recieved the most negative letter from Carol Sprock, head of the english departmant stating that the editor graded my work in her private home but could not tell me HOW MY PRIVATE INFORMATION that was attached to the work was secured.
She also deamed my work 'unmarketable' because she didn't like my basic story. Thus is was failed.
I reported the returned MS to the DETC and they closed the case and got my diploma.
BEWARE, THE WRITER'S COURSE DOES NOT WORK ON ACTUAL WRITING. IT IS SUPPOSED TO TEACH YOU HOW TO SUBMIT A MS FOR PUBLICATION ACORDING TO THE SCHOOL.
I never even got an apology form those jerks, instead I was further insulted by thier own full time employee.
The couse is actually worth about a third of what they ask for it. I figured out just how much the books cost and factored in the standard 50% of that cost for over head. The course should be no more than 200 dollars. Do not buy anything from these people. They do not support you and they cover up hidden facts like personal information security.
#24 Author of original report
Update
AUTHOR: Rachel - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, September 12, 2006
I finally recieved my 'diploma' after the so called 'professional editor' returned my final undgraded because she didn't like what I wrote for a short story.
I recieved the most negative letter from Carol Sprock, head of the english departmant stating that the editor graded my work in her private home but could not tell me HOW MY PRIVATE INFORMATION that was attached to the work was secured.
She also deamed my work 'unmarketable' because she didn't like my basic story. Thus is was failed.
I reported the returned MS to the DETC and they closed the case and got my diploma.
BEWARE, THE WRITER'S COURSE DOES NOT WORK ON ACTUAL WRITING. IT IS SUPPOSED TO TEACH YOU HOW TO SUBMIT A MS FOR PUBLICATION ACORDING TO THE SCHOOL.
I never even got an apology form those jerks, instead I was further insulted by thier own full time employee.
The couse is actually worth about a third of what they ask for it. I figured out just how much the books cost and factored in the standard 50% of that cost for over head. The course should be no more than 200 dollars. Do not buy anything from these people. They do not support you and they cover up hidden facts like personal information security.
#25 Author of original report
Update
AUTHOR: Rachel - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, September 12, 2006
I finally recieved my 'diploma' after the so called 'professional editor' returned my final undgraded because she didn't like what I wrote for a short story.
I recieved the most negative letter from Carol Sprock, head of the english departmant stating that the editor graded my work in her private home but could not tell me HOW MY PRIVATE INFORMATION that was attached to the work was secured.
She also deamed my work 'unmarketable' because she didn't like my basic story. Thus is was failed.
I reported the returned MS to the DETC and they closed the case and got my diploma.
BEWARE, THE WRITER'S COURSE DOES NOT WORK ON ACTUAL WRITING. IT IS SUPPOSED TO TEACH YOU HOW TO SUBMIT A MS FOR PUBLICATION ACORDING TO THE SCHOOL.
I never even got an apology form those jerks, instead I was further insulted by thier own full time employee.
The couse is actually worth about a third of what they ask for it. I figured out just how much the books cost and factored in the standard 50% of that cost for over head. The course should be no more than 200 dollars. Do not buy anything from these people. They do not support you and they cover up hidden facts like personal information security.
#26 Author of original report
Update
AUTHOR: Rachel - (U.S.A.)
SUBMITTED: Tuesday, September 12, 2006
I finally recieved my 'diploma' after the so called 'professional editor' returned my final undgraded because she didn't like what I wrote for a short story.
I recieved the most negative letter from Carol Sprock, head of the english departmant stating that the editor graded my work in her private home but could not tell me HOW MY PRIVATE INFORMATION that was attached to the work was secured.
She also deamed my work 'unmarketable' because she didn't like my basic story. Thus is was failed.
I reported the returned MS to the DETC and they closed the case and got my diploma.
BEWARE, THE WRITER'S COURSE DOES NOT WORK ON ACTUAL WRITING. IT IS SUPPOSED TO TEACH YOU HOW TO SUBMIT A MS FOR PUBLICATION ACORDING TO THE SCHOOL.
I never even got an apology form those jerks, instead I was further insulted by thier own full time employee.
The couse is actually worth about a third of what they ask for it. I figured out just how much the books cost and factored in the standard 50% of that cost for over head. The course should be no more than 200 dollars. Do not buy anything from these people. They do not support you and they cover up hidden facts like personal information security.
They send your name, address, phone, email and STUDNET ID NUMBER off campus to someone's house and they won't tell you where it goes. To who it goes and they won't assure it's a Professional who grades it.
If they also hold the right to faial your written work if they don't like what you written, not based on a real grading system.
I had to have my work Professioanly edited to see what the real problems were. I even went through the DETC, which did nothing to assure my information was safe.
Anyone could get my info, anyone could get my student ID number and if that person knew anything about computers, get my credit card number. Get my records...anything.
This is not a secure school. They hold highly questionable practices. They are a huge institute that made 8 billion dollars in 2004. They are owned by Tomson Learning. They give crap books with little support and then require submissions based on little information. This school thinks we are morons and basically have a low opinon of the people who take courses there.
In my complaint review the head of the English department stated "That most readers do not know American history,at all." This person also explained why I had to keep history up to date in an alternate reality.
The letter and recomendations are counterdicting.
She also made this comment, "The prelude you included was a freewrite band-aid...put together in response to the editors comments." This was false, it explained another mythology that affected the plot.
stay away from this school...it's a huge rip off.
They send your name, address, phone, email and STUDNET ID NUMBER off campus to someone's house and they won't tell you where it goes. To who it goes and they won't assure it's a Professional who grades it.
If they also hold the right to faial your written work if they don't like what you written, not based on a real grading system.
I had to have my work Professioanly edited to see what the real problems were. I even went through the DETC, which did nothing to assure my information was safe.
Anyone could get my info, anyone could get my student ID number and if that person knew anything about computers, get my credit card number. Get my records...anything.
This is not a secure school. They hold highly questionable practices. They are a huge institute that made 8 billion dollars in 2004. They are owned by Tomson Learning. They give crap books with little support and then require submissions based on little information. This school thinks we are morons and basically have a low opinon of the people who take courses there.
In my complaint review the head of the English department stated "That most readers do not know American history,at all." This person also explained why I had to keep history up to date in an alternate reality.
The letter and recomendations are counterdicting.
She also made this comment, "The prelude you included was a freewrite band-aid...put together in response to the editors comments." This was false, it explained another mythology that affected the plot.
stay away from this school...it's a huge rip off.
They send your name, address, phone, email and STUDNET ID NUMBER off campus to someone's house and they won't tell you where it goes. To who it goes and they won't assure it's a Professional who grades it.
If they also hold the right to faial your written work if they don't like what you written, not based on a real grading system.
I had to have my work Professioanly edited to see what the real problems were. I even went through the DETC, which did nothing to assure my information was safe.
Anyone could get my info, anyone could get my student ID number and if that person knew anything about computers, get my credit card number. Get my records...anything.
This is not a secure school. They hold highly questionable practices. They are a huge institute that made 8 billion dollars in 2004. They are owned by Tomson Learning. They give crap books with little support and then require submissions based on little information. This school thinks we are morons and basically have a low opinon of the people who take courses there.
In my complaint review the head of the English department stated "That most readers do not know American history,at all." This person also explained why I had to keep history up to date in an alternate reality.
The letter and recomendations are counterdicting.
She also made this comment, "The prelude you included was a freewrite band-aid...put together in response to the editors comments." This was false, it explained another mythology that affected the plot.
stay away from this school...it's a huge rip off.
They send your name, address, phone, email and STUDNET ID NUMBER off campus to someone's house and they won't tell you where it goes. To who it goes and they won't assure it's a Professional who grades it.
If they also hold the right to faial your written work if they don't like what you written, not based on a real grading system.
I had to have my work Professioanly edited to see what the real problems were. I even went through the DETC, which did nothing to assure my information was safe.
Anyone could get my info, anyone could get my student ID number and if that person knew anything about computers, get my credit card number. Get my records...anything.
This is not a secure school. They hold highly questionable practices. They are a huge institute that made 8 billion dollars in 2004. They are owned by Tomson Learning. They give crap books with little support and then require submissions based on little information. This school thinks we are morons and basically have a low opinon of the people who take courses there.
In my complaint review the head of the English department stated "That most readers do not know American history,at all." This person also explained why I had to keep history up to date in an alternate reality.
The letter and recomendations are counterdicting.
She also made this comment, "The prelude you included was a freewrite band-aid...put together in response to the editors comments." This was false, it explained another mythology that affected the plot.
stay away from this school...it's a huge rip off.

