FEMA/CLEP/GRE question

[burbuja0512]

I am trying to figure out the next test to study for and have a few questions. First of all, while working on my electives, I am wondering if it's faster to study for CLEP/Dantes or to do FEMA's. I know FEMA's are more expensive because of having to transcribe through FCC, but I'm ok with that if I can save a significant amount of time. Would love to hear some opinions.

On a slightly different note, COSC will award 18 credits for the psych GRE. Would it be better to study for the GRE or take multiple psych tests that would equal the same number of credits? The GRE intimidates me a little so I'm more inclined to take CLEPs but I am curious about what others here think.

Thanks!

[wb.john]

I am trying to figure out the next test to study for and have a few questions. First of all, while working on my electives, I am wondering if it's faster to study for CLEP/Dantes or to do FEMA's. I know FEMA's are more expensive because of having to transcribe through FCC, but I'm ok with that if I can save a significant amount of time. Would love to hear some opinions.

On a slightly different note, COSC will award 18 credits for the psych GRE. Would it be better to study for the GRE or take multiple psych tests that would equal the same number of credits? The GRE intimidates me a little so I'm more inclined to take CLEPs but I am curious about what others here think.

Thanks!

I think the FEMA's are definitely not worth the cost. There are plenty of fairly easy CLEP and DSST exams.

I recommend studying for the GRE. You only need to score above the 40 %tile. If you look at the study guide provided on their website, the exam isn't really that difficult and you can probably score at 20 - 30% without studying.

[creative]

I have not taken a GRE but here is a thread that is very informative about alissaroot's experience with the Pysch GRE. If she is still around the forum maybe you can pm her for her outline that she mentions in one of her posts. It sounds like a good way to get a lot of credit at once. I believe I read somewhere on here that depending on your percentile score--you get X amount of credits-- so you might want to check into how that works. To take the test seems like it is a decision to be based on whether you want to do testing in small, manageable, "baby steps" or take one "giant step". As for me I do better taking smaller steps like taking the individual cleps--- I would be overwhelmed by one big GRE looming over me-- way too broad to keep all the info straight in my brain But some folks on here seem to do better tackling a big test like that and getting it over with.

As far as FEMAs, I am applying to TESC where they are free to transcribe-- so it is worth if for me to take them. They are definitely more convenient to take than studying for a Clep. You access the info online and do them at home. They are really an open book type test and you could do a few of them in a day. You could take one and see how you like them and go from there to make your decision. hope this helps!

[burbuja0512]

Thanks for the advice. After reading through the GRE thread and a few others, I am probably going to go for many small exams versus one big one. Since COSC will only give me 18 credits anyhow, I think this makes sense. If they gave me the 30 credits that I've read about from other schools, I would probably do it.

I'll start on the FEMA's soon and see how I like them. There are actually a few of them that would benefit me for work, so that might make sense especially if they're relatively quick.

I see that some people say that they can be transcripted through CCC for only $30. I could not figure out which college that is. Does anyone know this?

[NAP]

Hi burbuja0512!

As far as you know, COSC is going to continue awarding credit for the GREs? If so, that is good news. Thanks.

CCC may be referring to Clackamas and may be only a quarter-hour versus a semester-hour credit. Here is a post with more info: http://www.degreeforum.net/excelsior-tho...#post73630

[Kaz]

Thanks for the advice. After reading through the GRE thread and a few others, I am probably going to go for many small exams versus one big one. Since COSC will only give me 18 credits anyhow, I think this makes sense. If they gave me the 30 credits that I've read about from other schools, I would probably do it.

Do what's best for you but don't go this route because the psych GRE is a big, tough test. A good student with zero background in psychology could easily get 40% in a few weeks time studying IMHO. You can't beat the ratios of the GRE either. The intro to psych CLEP is about 95 questions for 3 credits and I think about $90'ish. The GRE is 215 questions for 18 credits and $140. If you can ace the intro CLEP you will make it to 40% on the GRE.

Again, do what you feel comfortable with, but if COSC continues to grant 18 credits for the psych GRE I'd do that. You have to make sure about your whole plan though. I don''t know/doubt the GRE would allow waving pre-reqs for further upper level classes, so you might have to take intro psych anyway. Stuff like that. Anyway, good luck regardless!

[burbuja0512]

NAP Thanks for the info - I think if I do FEMA's I'll just stick with FCC.. it's just so expensive. Yikes..

Kaz, intresting feedback on the GRE. Now you have me reconsidering.. I wonder how many credits TESC grants for it. If I could do my major in one test, it would almost be worth the $$$ to enroll there even though I have already matriculated at COSC. 18 is the max that COSC will give for it, some of it counts for UL and some is LL, though I don't know how many of each.

[Kaz]

I wonder how many credits TESC grants for it.

Zero. As far as I know GRE for credit is down to COSC and the little talked about SUNY-Empire State (they aren't discussed because of residency requirements, plus their GRE score requirements aren't published and are said to be sky-high). It is highly doubtful you could enroll in COSC, use a GRE for credit there, and then transfer the credit to TESC. I'd say bajillion to one odds. Hmm... I wonder if you could use the GRE for an associate's at COSC...?
A regionally accredited associate's would probably be accepted in full anywhere you transferred later. That might be worth an e-mail to an advisor.

18 is the max that COSC will give for it, some of it counts for UL and some is LL, though I don't know how many of each.

The first 15 are LL, the rest are UL. Quantitative subjects get 24 total: math, physics, bio, chem, and biochem. Non-quant get 18: psych and lit. Except for Applied Arts-Theatre. You can get 15 lit credits for that concentration: 12 LL and 3 UL.

[NAP]

My understanding of transferring an associate degree to a bachelor's degree program is different. Since a bachelor's degree is 120 credits, that school gets to choose which credits (not just the second 60) will be accepted toward the whole degree. An exception is when there is an "articulation agreement", which is usually between 2 colleges in the same state. (Search posts by Cookderosa for more details.)

I have not seen the Biochemistry GRE on COSC's official list. I wonder if it is an oversight or if they don't accept it for some reason. Since I'm taking it soon, I'd love to know more about that option.

burbuja0512 - I don't know what COSC's policy is on ACE credit. If they accept it, consider getting the 3 free NFA credits. They would go on your ACE transcript with your ALEKS credits. There is more information at the bottom of this post: http://www.degreeforum.net/excelsior-tho...#post75628

My vote on your GRE issue is to look at it from all sides and decide what is best for you. With psychology, you are in a unique position to be able to complete the degree using tests in several different ways.

[burbuja0512]

Good to know that TESC doesn't accept GRE's. I made a hasty decision to enroll at COSC. My brother got his undergrad at COSC (and his masters at Texas A&M and is now working on his doctorate, but that's a whole other topic..) and was encouraging me to enroll there. I am very happy with COSC but have always wondered if I should have gone with TESC due to the fact that I wouldn't have to take a capstone course there.

My husband has just enrolled at TESC and will be getting his BA in psych, so it will be interesting to compare schools. I will make sure to let everyone know what I learn about the differences.

COSC does accept ACE credit, so I imagine that they would accept the NFA's. My best guess is that they would also need to be transcribed through FCC.. But it's good to know about any other credit options, especially ones that are online and at-home credits that can be taken open book. :-)