You are correct in reading that you don't need a degree, but your life experience better make up for what going to school does. It shows you can learn a curriculum and apply it to pass and attain the degree. It displays discipline and commitment to attaining a goal and generally other then the price...

I was called around the 20th of July for VFR training that starts in September.

I've been doing the online course since then. Does anyone know of a thread or have any comment on what to expect the first few days? testing immediately? anything?