I have waited until the end of my first year to review MTI so that I could give a complete description.
After one year of the paralegal studies program, I have to say, this is a great school. I had concerns about going back to school, since I haven't been so successful in the past (I didn't graduate high school and dropped from ARC). But MTI is different. It's smaller. It's focused. It's efficient. You have to try HARD to fail at this.
Dropping is not an option- terms are only 6 weeks long, so you don't have time to get bored. The Dean makes your schedule, so you can't use the excuse "I didn't get into the classes I need". Your books are paid in advance with your tuition and delivered to your class on the first day, so you can't say "I couldn't get the book" or "My books are too expensive this term." MTI has literally eliminated every problem coming between you and successfully finishing college.
Class after class, day after day, week after week, you show up to class and put in the time. And before you know it, you're done. Instructors are knowledgeable and focused on helping you succeed. If you are struggling, there are set lab times in every subject throughout the week. Need a tutor? They've got that. Missed some information in class? You can attend another session that week. No computer at home? The LRC is full of computers, a printer, a copy machine, a scanner... and it's open until 9:30 each night. You cannot fail here. Even a high school dropout like me (who just happens to be a genius) was successful. I finished my 13-month program in 9 months with a 4.0 GPA. Yes, I worked my butt off- no one said getting your degree would be easy. But at MTI, it is ACHIEVABLE.
Let's talk about money. Private college is expensive, right? More expensive than community college, less expensive than Sac State. Plus, the financial aid team works hard to find you every grant, scholarships are available all year round from various sources, and you even have the option to challenge classes you don't need and not have to pay for them.
So finally, the main reason everyone goes to college: a job. MTI offers lifetime career placement assistance. Meaning you can go back forever and they will help you find a job, FOR FREE. It's part of your program! After completing my first year, I was sent on three interviews through MTI before I was offered all three jobs. Do you know how many resumes I would have had to send through Craigslist to get that kind of result? Career services only sends your resume to positions you would be a good fit for, and getting the recommendation of the school holds a lot of weight with an employer. I have now been working at a law firm for two months and I love it.
And was I prepared for my new career? Absolutely! My first year of legal classes taught me literally everything I need to know so far. I was scared as hell starting in a real law firm after only a year of classes, but I can honestly say that my instructor was thorough, dedicated, and knew what she was talking about. She taught me everything, and there is nothing that has been asked of me that I didn't already know how to do! I was shocked at how prepared I actually was for this career, and I literally owe it all to MTI and Linda Gardenhire.
One more thing I want to add is the sense of community you get at MTI. Not only are there numerous community service opportunities throughout the year (in fact, it's required to graduate!), but the school itself is such a community. There are bake sales, bbq lunches, card drives, days when we dress up... Additionally, there are programs designed to help students when they need it. One such program happens during the holidays, when you are given the opportunity to submit a hardship request. This is open to everyone but stays confidential. As I am a mother of two and was not working last year, I submitted one such request. I was informed that I was selected, and MTI gave me a $100 gift card to Wal-Mart with a handmade card. I can't tell you how much this meant to me, both then and now. It was another reminder that these people are here for you.
There has not been one minute that I regretted my decision to go to MTI. The program, the staff, the way they do things, the fact that they are ABA-approved. I went from being someone without a degree, trying a few things out after I changed from being a store manager, to a second-year legal student working in a law office. In another year I will have my associate's degree and be a Bar-approved paralegal. That's amazing. I fully recommend this school to anyone considering it. If you have the right attitude and you are truly ready to make a change in your life, MTI is a great way to get there. It's not going to be easy and it's not going to be free, but it IS going to be worth it. I hope my story and experience will help others to make the decision to give MTI a chance. You won't be disappointed. read more