Our
Philosophy No
surprises - all your questions answered.
Because we are
fairly new, we neglected to address several issues that have now been
brought to our attention. Below are some of those questions. If you
have any questions that are not answered on our site, just drop us
an email and we'll get right back to you!
Can
I stop the program at any time?
- Yes. You are not locked into anything. We don't want you to continue
in our program if you feel it's not working for you, or you've decided
to move on. You will not be refunded your last payment, however.
Do
you have financial aid?
- No. Taking on financial aid means changing the program to what they
dictate, and I'm not willing to do that. I feel confident in our program
and I wouldn't change it for anyone.
How
is testing done?
- Your test material is on your CD - in your daily folder. You are
on the honor system. You will be trusted to listen to the dictation
tests only once and type within the allotted amount of time. If you
decide to sneak in some extra typing time or preview a test, you're
only screwing yourself and you will get slammed when you go to take
the RPR.
How many tests do I need to
pass in each speed? - You must pass 2 tests in each speed at
95.5% - a 2-voice and a 1-voice. The 1-voice can be literary or jury
charge - it's given in a random order.
What
kind of contact will I have with my instructors?
- That's hard to say, but I can promise email contact at least 3 times
a week, as dictation tests are turned in. We will contact you when
we feel we need to point something out to you, and we expect you to
contact us when needed.
What
kind of contact will I have with other students in the program? -
As much or as little as you like. We will have a live forum available
where you can meet and chat at any time about anything.
Will
the program cost me less if I finish faster?
- That's the spirit! Yes! You only pay for the program for as long
as you're in it. If you decide to take the RPR ahead of schedule,
you no longer have to pay for our program.
What
speed will I be starting at?
- Ideally, we'd like you to start at the last successful speed you
passed. If you passed all your 120's, we'd like you to start at 120
rather than 130. Our dictation material is a little denser than most,
so we want to give you a little breathing room when you start.
What
do you consider "finishing" the program? How do I graduate?
- When you feel you're ready to take on the RPR exam, you've graduated.
The decision is in your hands, helped along by us. Complete program
success is only accomplished once we help you pass the RPR exam.
How
flexible are the daily schedules?
- Not very. Each one is from 2 to 5 hours long, and we'd prefer that
you complete each one in a single sitting. Focus, momentum and stamina
are important aspects of the program.
Can
I start the program at any time?
- You can start our program on any Monday, as soon as you've received
all of our teaching materials. No need to wait for the beginning of
a new quarter or month - start now!
Once
I reach 200, will I have to order one of your other programs?
- No. Our popular RPR Prep program is built right into the SimplySteno.com
program.
Will
I get to see my schedules ahead of time?
- Yes. Every CD will contain a month of your program, so you'll get
a chance to glance through it if you'd like.
What
if I want to use my own CAT program?
- Feel free, but you're on your own. We are currently working closely
with a CAT vendor and will provide your CAT software with instruction
as part of our program, if you'd like.
What
kind of computer requirements do I need - Internet connection?
- You need to be able to play mp3 files from CDs - which most computers,
new and old, can. You need some kind of text program - something
like Microsoft Word or Word Perfect. As for your Internet connection,
your only online activity regarding the program will be email communications.
So a fast connection is not needed. Everything comes on CD,
so there are not set times to be online.
Can
I add your program to my current program?
- I don't recommend it. Our program is tough and requires your focused
attention. Do you think you can do that if you're taking another program
as well? Also, you may get conflicting information from the 2 programs.
That can be detrimental.
Can
I take leaves from the program? - You are allowed to take leaves,
but the payment schedule remains the same. If you take a leave and
skip a payment, you will be required to make an initial payment once
more to take part in the program (minus $50 for materials).
Can
I split up my daily schedule into several sittings?
- We'd prefer you didn't. As we mentioned before, momentum is important
to a good program. You need to find your groove. You can't do that
if you're stopping and starting.
Will
your program qualify me for my state exam?
- Strictly taking our program alone will NOT qualify you to take a
state exam, unless your state exam is the RPR. Anyone can take the
RPR exam if you're a member of the NCRA. Passing the RPR will qualify
you to take most state CSR exams.
Won't
most agencies want me to have a degree? - Ask your local agencies
that question and I'm sure you'll find out that most of them don't
care how many degrees you have. They only care that you have the proper
certification (RPR or CSR) to work in that state.
Do you teach how to prepare
transcripts? - Yes. Over the course of your time in our program,
you will learn how to prepare a transcript.
Can
I sell, copy or give away any portion of the SimplySteno program?
- No. The SimplySteno program is copyright protected and intended
for the sole use of the purchaser. It is not transferable.
Would
I get a refund if I stopped at some point? - Payments are not
refundable. That's one of the reasons I've set up the payment plan
as it is, so you don't have to pay 1000's of dollars up front. But
once a payment has been made, there are no refunds.
Is
your program recognized by the Department of Education? - No.
SimplySteno is a business, not a school. We feel that allows
us to streamline our program and focus on what it takes to prepare
you to report.
