I haven't been in college for 6+ years and have no references (I've been retired from my job for 8+) and that's making things difficult; I only want to take the course for my own purposes so I'm hoping they'll just "take the money" and let me worry about whether I can do the work or not.

I've gotten 3 of the 5 recommended books, the total, being college books, was over $100 so now I'll just be pissed if I don't get into the course.