Financial Accounting...CLEP or DSST?

[mlwilliamsiv]

Hello everyone.

I just finished reading the Specific Exam Feedback section on IC and I thought it was very detailed and informative. However, I am forced to make a decision as to which version I should take. The decision that I need to make is vital...hence this post.

My goal is to receive my ASBA from TESC and graduate in December 2008. I need to have everything turned in by October 1, 2008. I have to take a Managerial Accounting course but before I do, I must take Principles of Financial Accounting because it is a pre-req to the Managerial course. I will take the Managerial course at my local community college (Sinclair Community College) but I need to register for the class no later than June 6, 2008. I really need to register right around the time that registration starts, that way I can take it at the one close to my home and not have to go downtown to the other campus location.

I can take a CLEP anytime without hassles at the University of Phoenix...however, DANTES (DSST) test are held at the University of Dayton and you must register for these exams well in advance and mail your registration in. Unlike at University of Phoenix, which all you have to do is just show up.

I've been getting mixed reviews about the CLEP/DSST version and I NEED to know which one should I take? I thought if I could get a vote from all you guys then I'll make my decision. But I guess....worst case scenario...if by some bad stroke of karma I fail one, I could always take the other.

I just need to make a decision because I wanted to give myself (if I happen to need it) a solid 21 days of study time to prepare for this exam...which doesn't leave me alot of room error. I will be starting from scratch and am totally clueless about the subject matter. It's just that June is right around the corner and I'm up against the wall!!! Sppppppartans......prepare for glory!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks in advance for your help. It is greatly appreciated. Any input on this matter will help me a great deal.

From a loyal degree seeker,

Marshall

[Inwe]

Since you are going to TESC and getting a BSBA I am going to assume that you are taking Financial Accounting because it is one of the core business requirements. Therefore you need to take the CLEP version because TESC will count the CLEP version as ACC101/102. Meaning you will also take care of the Managerial Accounting requirement. Check their catalog http://www.tesc.edu/files/Catalog07(1).pdf page 106. Good Luck!

[gus]

Hey Inwe, are you sure this is not a mistake? I mean do you know this for a fact or is it a typo that made it into the catalog (it still mentions 6 credits so I'm thinking they must've been referring to the older clep version)?

[Inwe]

This is their newest catalog, and it has been a while since they changed the exam, but I suppose it could be a typo. I took Financial Accounting last month, and fell short of a passing score, so I have not called to make sure. I should have quantified that...sorry. :o

[bmills072200]

I vote for the DSST version because of the DSST prep material that is free in the study guide...it is very detailed and helpful. I have not taken the CLEP, so I cannot compare, but a lot of the actual test was covered in the DSST study guide, almost like stealing...

[jeffs34]

I spoke to an advisor that told me the CLEP only covers 101. So you still have to take the 102 class. How do I get my hands on that DSST free study guide? You may have talked me into taking that instead of CLEP. How quickly does TESC get the results when you take a DSST?

[bmills072200]

Both the CLEP and the DSST only give you credit for the 101 accounting...so there is no difference there...

This is a link to the DSST study guide...

http://www.petersons.com/pdf/free/DSST.pdf

Let me know if I can help with anything else

[jeffs34]

THANKS! I think I'll try doing the flash cards and study guide and take it next Saturday. So much to memorize for this one.

[jeffs34]

Did you happen to know how quickly the results get to TESC? I need to get them in time to register for Acct 102 in June.

[gus]

It normally takes about 7 to 10 days for the scores to reach the designated institution, from there on, it will depend on TESC's efficiency.

My experience with Excelsior was one week to receive the score and one day afterwards to update the evaluation.