Advice for CLEP tests

[KravGirl]

I got my list of my CORE requirements for an Associate's Degree and I found out that at this particular college I can CLEP up to 18 hours.

What do I need to get (books etc) to start studying for these courses?
Can I find the books at libraries or do I have to buy them?
Which courses would you recommend I CLEP, if I can't do them all?

Thanks for any advice!
------
English 1301 and English 1302
History 1301 and History 1302
Government 2305 and Government 2306
Any Humanities course that is considered a "CORE" course
Any Visual or Performing Arts course that is considered a "CORE" course
Math 1332
Math 1342
Psyc 2301
Spch 1311
COCS 1300
CHEF 1301
BIOL 1322

[cookderosa]

First, your college's course numbers are specific to your school, so no one here would know what class is MATH1332 and if there is a CLEP that can be used. If you posted the title "college algebra" then yes, there is a CLEP by that title- however, it's still up to your school to determine if the CLEP called College Algebra is sufficient to cover the requirement. Hope that makes sense.

So, you can use 18 credits. That will be a combination of 6 or 3 credit exams, so anywhere from 3-6 tests in all. You'll need to work with your college advisor to get a list (in writing!) of which tests cover your gen ed requirements. DO NOT start preparing for a test that might not count! All colleges have a CLEP policy, from your post, it appears as if you have located it- but now dig deeper to get to the meat of what is allowed.

If your advisor says "CLEP College Algebra will meet the math requirement" you can counter back with "will CLEP College Math also meet it, or is it only College Algebra?" These kinds of questions will help you zero in on a plan. If they say "choose any course from social science" you can ask for clarity, "so every course in that section meets the requirement for my specific degree?"

When you have a list of which exams are allowed, those of us here can help you narrow it down in a micro-second. Among members here, every test has been taken by dozens (hundreds) of us! Some tests are MUCH easier to pass than others. So, if you asked- should I take test X vs test Y, then you'll get a lot of suggestions and options.

As far as resources, you can prepare for free- don't feel like you have to spend much money. Of course you an use the Instant Cert, the web, discarded text books, library, CLEP prep books like the REA Series (very good) and even Peterson's practice exams. Sources are not a problem, but before anyone can tell you the best sources for a specific exam, we need to know which exam(s) you'll be working on.

WELCOME to the forum!!

[dark_dan]

My college actually has a brochure with a list of what CLEPs count for which classes. Ask student records or admissions if they have such a list.

[KravGirl]

Thank you guys so much! That makes a lot more sense. I'll try to get some more specifics after Christmas.

Thank you again!

[NAP]

Also check your school's website (or college handbook). They often have a list posted there. Just search CLEP on the homepage.

[IrishJohn]

Also, if it's a "brick and mortar" college make sure you find out if they have a policy limiting the number of credits they'll accept from CLEP. My local community college does, which is one reason I'm now at TESC. Even some of the online schools have limits, though not the Big 3 as far as I know.

Good luck!

[Basket Weaver]

I got my list of my CORE requirements for an Associate's Degree and I found out that at this particular college I can CLEP up to 18 hours.

What do I need to get (books etc) to start studying for these courses?
Can I find the books at libraries or do I have to buy them?
Which courses would you recommend I CLEP, if I can't do them all?

Thanks for any advice!
------
English 1301 and English 1302
History 1301 and History 1302
Government 2305 and Government 2306
Any Humanities course that is considered a "CORE" course
Any Visual or Performing Arts course that is considered a "CORE" course
Math 1332
Math 1342
Psyc 2301
Spch 1311
COCS 1300
CHEF 1301
BIOL 1322

Up to 18 hours?:eek: That would raise a serious flag for me as it is quite low.

Colleges are nothing more than a business. The reason they are limiting you to 18 hours is they know they lose big time money when you test out versus paying take their courses & buy their books.

Have you looked into transferring your credits to an online college and testing out of the whole thing? Not only would you save loads of cash, you would finish years earlier. Just a thought.

[IrishJohn]

Oops! I missed the part in your post where you said that your school had a limit of 18 credits. Um...never mind then... :o

[P00057870]

Here in Florida, the individual school sets the number of credits allowed. All of the information is usually in the online catalog. I've attached a link to general information from Broward College, which is controlled by state regulations: http://www.broward.edu/bcc_catalog/2009/...arning.pdf

This will provide you with buzz words like "accellerated learning opportunities."

Next is a copy of their Procedure Manual, which provides a listing of various AP, CLEP, DSSTs and what they will be recognized as and how many credits (or not): http://www.broward.edu/PolicyAndProcedur...Pro411.pdf

The last example is from the Department of Education for the State of Florida and is referenced to as Articulation Coordinating Committee Credit-by-Exam Equivalencies: http://www.fldoe.org/articulation/pdf/2007_ACC-CBE.pdf

I found this to be most helpful when the college counselor was having trouble interpreting their own policies. It gave me enough ammunition to be able to choose to test out of the subjects I was more confident that I would do well in, as I had not found IC at that point.

Again, these are samples with buzz words that may enable you to find some of the information and be informed before you next consult with your counselor.

Isn't the Internet wonderful. Years ago, we never had access to this information as consumers and had to just take what we were told at face value.

Good luck,

Judy

[cookderosa]

I found this to be most helpful when the college counselor was having trouble interpreting their own policies. Judy

LOL you said it! I hope our poster doesn't run into trouble in this area, but I have helped a few advisors learn and understand their college's policy too