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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Optimum College?

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Optimum College is a revolutionary online, project-based community designed to help you reach your optimum potential through collaboration, self-chosen projects, mentorships & direct funding. Optimum is not a college as you might think of one—we're a network of innovators, creators, thinkers & doers dedicated to reaching our optimum potential through collaborations, independent projects and direct funding.

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2. Why Choose Optimum College Over a Conventional College?

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Some of history's most influential achievers—like Thomas Edison, Michael Faraday, the Wright Brothers, Florence Nightingale, Steve Jobs, and Coco Chanel—excelled without a conventional college degree. They had an idea, a plan, a project, a vision.  At Optimum College, we empower you to turn your vision into reality through collaborations, independent projects, mentorships and direct funding.

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3. How Is Optimum College Different from Other Institutions?

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  • Direct Democratic Funding: Paying members vote monthly to fund one paying member's ideas through our Optimum Fund.​​

  • Independent Learning: Focus on practical skills and real-world applications.​

  • Daily Updated Resources: Our resources update daily, in real-time, not every 2 to 12 years. 

  • Active Community: We're a network of colleagues, not a hierarchy of professors and students.

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4. Why Does the World Need a New Kind of College?

 

The call for academic reform is louder than ever. Traditional education models are becoming outdated in today's fast-paced, digital world. Optimum College offers:

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  • Real-Time Curriculum Updates: Stay ahead with the latest advancements.​

  • Flexible Learning: No rigid semesters, classes, or homework.​

  • Ownership of Work: You retain full ownership of your ideas & everything you create at Optimum College.

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5. What Support Does Optimum College Offer?

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  • Mentorships: Connect with successful professionals in real-world industries.

  • Community: Participate in brainstorming sessions through our private video-chats and forums.

  • Exposure: Feature your work on our Optimum Podcast & socials to share your vision with the world.

  • Funding: Access our Optimum Fund, where two-thirds of membership fees are allocated to fund members' ideas and projects.

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6. How Does the Optimum Fund Work?

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  • Scalable Funding Pool: $100 per month from each paying member goes into the Optimum Fund. 

  • Monthly Voting: Paying members vote online during the third week of each month on which member's ideas to fund.

  • Transparent Process: Votes are anonymous yet verifiable to ensure integrity. Learn about how we ensure voting integrity, here.

  • No Strings Attached: Funding is a gift—you owe nothing in return, and you keep full ownership of your ideas & projects.

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7. What Kind of Projects Have Members Completed?

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Our members have achieved remarkable successes, including:

  • Optimum Championship: The premier 1v1 fighting game for virtual reality platforms.

  • Optimum Sports Fitness: A sports equipment company used by NFL champions, the U.S. Military, and thousands worldwide.

  • Unified Physics Simulation: Pioneering simulations that earned accolades from renowned academics such as Dr. Stephen Wolfram.

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8. Do I Retain Ownership of My Work?

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Yes! Unlike other colleges, you have full ownership over everything you create at Optimum College, including your ideas, plans, projects, and visions.

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9. Can I Work Individually or as Part of a Team?

 

Absolutely! Your plan or project can be:

  • Solo Endeavors

  • Collaborative Projects

  • Mentor-Guided Initiatives

Your contributions will be highlighted in your personalized letters of recommendation upon completion of your project.

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10. How Does the Mentorship Program Work?

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  • Flexible Collaboration: Work with mentors within or outside Optimum College.

  • Real-World Professionals: Learn from those actively succeeding in their fields.

  • Optional Participation: Mentorship is available but not required for graduation.

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11. How Do I Become a Certified Optimist?

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To earn your signed Certified Optimist certification and personalized letters of recommendation:

  1. Choose a Plan or Project: Select something that aligns with your passions and goals.

  2. Complete Your Project: Some members achieve this in under a month.

  3. Engage with Mentors: Optional but beneficial for guidance and support.

  4. Graduate: Receive your certification and letters of recommendation.

All of this can be accomplished for less than the cost of a single textbook at other schools.

 

12. How Do I Get Started?

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Step 1: Join Optimum College

  • Receive a welcome email with detailed instructions.

  • Gain immediate access to our private forums and resources.

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Step 2: Schedule a Video Chat with our founding director, Garrett "Gary Lee" Lee Lebby.

  • Discuss your goals, ideas, and potential projects.

  • Discuss how to reach your optimum potential.

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Step 3: Work on Your Idea, Plan, Project or Vision.

  • Utilize our resources, mentors, and community support.

  • Take as much time as you need—there's no rush.

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Step 4: Complete & Present Your Project

  • Present your project in a follow-up Video Chat.

  • Receive your certification and personalized letter(s) of recommendation.

  • Optionally, share your journey on our Optimum Podcast.​

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13. Who Founded Optimum College and Why?

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Garrett "Gary Lee" Lee Lebby, an award-winning public education STEM curriculum director, founded Optimum College. Inspired during the 2019-20 lockdowns, Gary envisioned a new academic model that fosters innovation and adapts to the needs of the 21st century.

 

14. Is Optimum College Accredited?

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Similar to the prestigious Institute for Advanced Study whose faculty included Albert Einstein, J Robert Oppenheimer & John Von Neumann, Optimum College is not interested in conforming to the average, and so we are not part of the conventional accreditation system. Our focus is on innovation, practical skills, and real-world achievements.

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15. Will I Be Guaranteed Employment After Graduation?

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While we can't guarantee employment, becoming a Certified Optimist provides:

  • Practical Experience: Showcase real projects you've completed.

  • Personalized Recommendations: Receive letters highlighting your unique strengths.

  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with mentors and professionals in your field.​

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16. What Is the Optimum College Conduct Policy?

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  • Eligibility: Members must be high school graduates.

  • Legal Compliance: Follow U.S. laws and respect confidentiality agreements.

  • Community Respect: Maintain a safe and supportive environment for all members.

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17. Can I Cancel My Membership Anytime?

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Yes. You can cancel your membership at any time by:

  • Logging into your profile and selecting "Cancel Membership."

  • Emailing us, and we'll handle the cancellation for you.

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18. What's Included with Membership?

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  • Personalized Guidance: At least two video chats per month with Optimum College founder Garrett "Gary Lee" Lee Lebby.

  • Exclusive Content: Access to our private forums.

  • Certified Optimist Program: Earn certifications and collaborate on high-impact projects.

  • Networking: Connect with a diverse community of innovators and professionals.

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19. Have More Questions?

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We're here to help!

  • Email Us, here.

  • Schedule a Chat, here.

  • Explore Our Community: Join us and start your journey toward reaching your optimum potential.

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20. Ready to Join Optimum College?

Don't wait to unlock your full potential. Join Optimum College Today!​

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