This Court Reporting School Or That One?

”Dear Todd- I'm a prospective court reporting student, and I'd like to thank you for all the valuable information on your blog that has helped me decide to pursue this profession. Basically I am now down to deciding between two schools here in the XYZ area, College A and College B. As far as I can tell, there seem to be two main differences

1. College A is 20k - 50k depending on how long it takes one to complete, and College B is basically free plus the cost of supplies and location.

2. College A is in a nice suburb and  College B is in a not very nice part of [the city] Both schools seem to have knowledgeable and professional instructors, and both seem to have a good reputation.

Do you have any opinions of either school? Thanks very much for any input you may have. “

- Future CSR

 

Dear Future CSR:
 
Thanks for writing to me!  And I appreciate your compliments on my blog -- it's very encouraging when I receive emails like yours letting me know people are actually paying attention!  Thanks again.
 
Regarding your question:  I've personally only visited College B.  So I have no way of comparing them versus College A.  I would say you're being wise to consider carefully which one is the best fit for you.  You've already brought up the monetary difference, which appears to be substantial.  And you mention the neighborhood factor, which I think is less important.  But also you might consider the following:
 
  • Which program has the highest number of CSR candidates historically?
  • Which program has the highest pass rate of first timer CSR candidates?
  • Request a list of CSR graduates as references.
All of that being said, I do believe that if you possess the drive and conviction to focus on school and do exactly what they tell you to do, and limit the distractions in your life, then you will succeed and become a licensed CSR at either school.
 
Thanks for your question and feel free to contact me any time!
 
-Todd

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Author
Todd Olivas

Todd Olivas is a court reporter and entrepreneur.
He founded TO&A in 2003.

  Comment by Brenda LeGrett | Tuesday, April 29, 2008
I am currently a student at college A, but am going to the orientation at college B, tomorrow. I need a refresher course to build up my speed. College A is $10k a year and B is about $600. I spoke on the phone with someone from College B and they seem to offer a more personalized program for me, whereas, at college A, I entered as a beginner, which I am not.


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