Clep or UEXCEL

[Jsheets15]

I am enrolled at Excelsior. I see a lot of UEXCEL exams that have equal CLEPs or DSSTs. Yet I don't see much UEXCEL feedback on here or anywhere. Any reasons to take a CLEP or DSST over a UEXCEL exam?

[jsd]

CLEP/DSST are generally cheaper. CLEP can even be free through Modern States.

[Jsheets15]

CLEP/DSST are generally cheaper. CLEP can even be free through Modern States.

Is that the only reason? I should have mentioned I am using GI BIll so cost is not a factor. But thank you for your reply.

I'd also like to know if IC would be a good study tool for UEXCEL also.

[dfrecore]

I think CLEP/DSST exams are generally considered easier than UExcel's. UExcel's have grades attached, so it could lower your overall GPA if you're just trying to pass without studying really hard (as opposed to CLEP/DSST not affecting your GPA at all). Also, schools may have transfer equivalencies listed on their websites for students to see ahead of time for CLEP and DSST, so you know going in what to expect. And, the cost is quite a bit higher - approx $100 for CLEP/DSST including testing fees, while UExcel's are minimum $160-$170 for the $110 exams (some are more) plus $50 or $60 testing center fees depending on the length of the exam (2 or 3 hours).

[davewill]

UEXCELs might transfer to schools that don't take CLEP because they are actually college credit. However that's far from universal, and some schools specifically refuse to transfer exams from other schools, so it would be important to check if you have a particular school in mind.

[clep3705]

As usual, great advice from davewill, jsd, dfrecore. Here's my attempt to synthesize all of the advice into one. What's easy and what's hard is a personal thing. If you aren't good in a particular subject but need it just to fill distribution requirements, use CLEP so you can protect your GPA. If there's a subject that gets you excited and would be easy for you to obtain a high score, take a UExcel to get an easy A. You gave yourself great UExcel advice - there's not as much available to help you study for UExcel. Taking a CLEP offers the advantage of an abundance of preparation materials. I will question you on exams being at no cost because of the GI Bill. There's always a cost - the cost of wasted time.