"Don't totally go by these forums, there are alot of people who find it their goal in life to only bash ATP, DCA, etc..."

Yeah, and there's people on here that have little experience outside the way THEY did it and get upset when people have legit questions about the method, or school, they are so fond off.

This site is a great cross section of people that worked their way up different ways. I've experienced ATP, Riddle, and small 61 schools, myself, and no two people at APC did it the same way.

The best thing to do is listen to what everyone says. Check schools out in person, then decide on your best course of action based on what you can afford.