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About the product/service:  As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew  I received free access to the ACT Advantage DISCOVER Program. 

Just what is the DISCOVER program and what does it do?  Here's a bit of info I lifted off the website.  (Yes, I've been sick, so I cheated.  So sue me. LOL)

DISCOVER is jam packed with career tips and uses a proven developmental guidance process to help students:

• Assess interests, abilities and job values.
• Explore occupations, majors and schools.
• Build an education plan that relates to career plans.
• Improve job-seeking skills and develop a resume.

Basically, you begin by taking surveys right on the computer.  It couldn't be easier.  Taking these surveys will give you an idea as to what careers "fit" your interests, abilities, and values.  Once you pick a couple of careers to explore, you can then find about more about them, and then create a plan to pursue the career.  Find out what classes, major, and schools are right for you!

What are the pros of this product?  This is an excellent tool for students who have no clue as to what career they might want to explore or who need help narrowing down their interests to one or two options.  It's relatively easy to use for the computer savvy and, as a bonus, the Discover program also includes up-to-date information about financial aid and scholarships.     

What's not to like?  I was just a tad mystified as to where to start when I first signed in.  After looking at it, though, I was able to get a pretty good handle on it rather quickly. 

It might not be a great asset for someone who has already pretty much decided on what "to be," but it still can help with things like school planning, scholarship searches, etc.  Most of the information given, from what I can see, is probably out there already for free.  Is having all the info in one place worth it?  That's up to YOU to decide.  I'm not your mother after all! 

The Crazy Mom take:  With all the insanity that is life around here lately, I gave up on trying to get any of my kids to carve out enough time in their busy days to take the assessment.  So I did it myself!  I have lots of interests, so what should I be when I grow up?  LOL 

Well, I found out that I am best when I am working with people and ideas.  Who knew?  LOL  Well, actually, I did.  I am most definitely a people person, and I always say I do much better with things I can "do in my head."  Hands on stuff is better left for more handy folks like my husband Sane Man.  Tying here at my keyboard is about as hands on as it gets!  LOL

Now, do I think this is a worthwhile program?  I'm not so sure.  The thing is, all five of my oldest children have pretty much settled on a career.  First Born has wanted to be a doctor since he was five, Renaissance Man is born to be a computer programmer, Mr. Personality is destined for law and politics, Woggit is going to be the next Tom Monaghan, and Princess wants to be a dental hygienist.  These kids have always known what they want to be when they grow up and they have never wavered. 

I, on the other hand, could have used something like this. I considered so many fields.  I wanted to be a probation officer, actress, lawyer, psychologist, missionary (maybe somewhere nice like Hawaii), radio producer, writer and more. Well, then again, maybe I didn't need something like this as I never actually ended up having a career.  At least I don't think being a blogging homeschool mom is a career option as far as DISCOVER goes!  LOL

Anyway, if your child has no clue as to what career path to follow, something like this might be a good idea.  I mean, it's not that expensive, and if it means he or she won't take 90 credit hours at the community college (when only up to 60 count), like I did, it will be worth far more than what you pay for it!

What's the bottom line?  $19.95 for a three-month license, $24.95 for a six-month license.

I am going to give the ACT Discover Career Planning Program 3 out of 5 smileys!!!

Check it out! http://www.actadvantage.org/discover/

See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @

http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/HomeschoolCrew/738900/

*The Smiley System: 

I can't really recommend this product.

 I doubt this product would be helpful to many people.

 This is a good product, but isn't right for everyone.

 Most homeschool moms will find this useful.

 This is great, and I would recommend it to anyone!!!

Disclaimer!!!  I reviewed this product because I am a member of The Old Schoolhouse Homeschool Crew.  I was given the product by the vendor to use and evaluate in my home so that I might share my insights with others.  Other than receiving the product, which I kinda have to to be able to assess the product, I am not compensated for my reviews in any way.  I am in no way obligated to give a positive review.  I do try to point out negatives when I see them, though I am admittedly a pretty easy going gal!  What you read are my honest assessments of the products I receive. 

As with all products, you must do the research before buying.  Please visit the the other crew members' blogs, the vendor websites, and any other review sites you might find before buying.  I can't guarantee that a product will work for you.  You must decide what will fit with your teaching style, and your child(ren)'s learning style(s).  I do not judge anything other than the educational value of the products I review.  I am not qualified to make judgements as to the safely of any product, and I make no guarantee that the products I review are safe for you, your family, or anyone else.  I am simply giving my opinion; only you know what is best for you and your family.

Don't use your blow dryer while you sleep or take a bath.  Don't read my reviews in the tub either, and please do not read them when you are asleep, though I do not guarantee that you won't fall asleep reading them!

Copyright 2009 Ramblings from the Crazy House