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Matthew0718
Sep 23, 2012, 3:49 PM
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For all of you that has heard of the NOLS school this question is for you. I was thinking about not going to traditional college. Instead, doing several courses at NOLS to work towards becoming a NOLS instructor or perhaps a AMGA guide or even things like a mountain search and resuce team. What do you think?
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jbrown2
Sep 23, 2012, 7:27 PM
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NOLS is a great experience and you can for sure learn a lot. Many people have made great careers with NOLS. Hard work, fun if you like people but with limited earning potential. Depends what you are in to. NOLS is great College is fun. Two very different things.
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SylviaSmile
Sep 24, 2012, 5:38 AM
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I think you should go to college. And do NOLS. Why make it either/or?
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Matthew0718
Sep 24, 2012, 1:30 PM
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I really want to do NOLS and If I had to take out student loans on both NOLS and College I would never be able to pay those back.
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teo916
Sep 24, 2012, 5:08 PM
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Do NOLS, its amazing. Their semester courses, while not cheap are great. Then check out Prescott College, you can get credit there doing independent studies and they have an entire degree program for the kind of thing you are looking to do. Both schools changed my life and I'd recommend them to anyone. Good luck! -Teo
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theextremist04
Sep 25, 2012, 2:11 AM
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If you want to do it this way, take advantage of their partnership with UofU and get a real degree as well. NOLS certifications don't hold the same weight as a real diploma, which is pretty essential for most jobs nowadays. That being said, if you don't ever want a real job than NOLS is among the best for outdoor education.
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Matthew0718
Sep 25, 2012, 1:18 PM
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The biggest issue I run into now is, getting 12 grand 75 days before the course and being able to actually support myself in Lander Wy while in between courses so I can get experience outside of NOLS. On top of that being able to get a job with NOLS or some sort of outdoor job to pay off those loans. My last resort if I was going to default on my loans would be to join the military.
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price25
Sep 25, 2012, 3:43 PM
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Registered: Sep 20, 2012
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I think Mountaineering courses are often quite expensive. I would recommend the 8-day Alpine Ascents Alaska course. It is about $1500 plus airfare. NOLS courses are nice but from what I have read they are much expensive.
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RobAT
Sep 26, 2012, 12:43 AM
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Registered: May 15, 2011
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OP, have you ever heard of the mountaineer, Scott Fischer (anybody?). Scott chose the career path you have suggested. He took NOLS courses and eventually started his own guiding company. It is an epic story. Go read. Rob
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