Help me narrow this down

[kidahola]

I have started preparing for the Sociology Clep which I plan to take the first week of January, but would like to get started on some other credits also. I have looked into Clovis for the spring. I'm thinking of maybe doing a science course with them. I have also looked into Aleks. Does anyone know what the lowest level math course EC would accept is? I'm also considering straighterline, but am a little nervous because I didn't see on their sight any guarantee regarding partner schools accepting specific credits. I've read on here that the accepted some credits from them but don't see that information on their site. As you can see, I'm all over the place. All of these seem like great options. Does anyone have a suggest about an easy place to start?

[operalady]

You might consider other CLEPs that have crossover from Sociology. Have you thought about Social Sciences and History CLEP? What degree are you shooting for or are you going for basics?

[kidahola]

I haven't really decided on a degree path yet, so I am thinking of just taking care of general requirements. I am most interested in history, human services, or maybe psychology at this point. I will be doing other CLEPs my daughter and I will be studying for those together, but I was thinking of having something else in the fire at the same time.

[JanusthePhoenix]

I believe that the lowest level math EC will accept is specific to the degree you are seeking. For instance, if I remember correctly, EC will accept CLEP College Math for their BSLS degree, but not for BS in General Business for which you would need College Algebra as a minimum level. For more information, you can check out all the degree catalogs on EC's website.

Edit: Also, if you are just going for general credits for the moment, I would suggest knocking out the CLEP General Exams first and foremost. Social Sci. and History, Natural Sci., Humanities/A&I Literature, and College Math (if you know it will apply, otherwise go for College Algebra). They are worth 6 credits each, and chances are you can pass them with very little study. Try a practice test to see where you are at, brush up on whatever you need to, then go for the real thing when you can pass a mock exam! You might be surprised how fast you can earn like 30 credits this way.

[cookderosa]

I haven't really decided on a degree path yet, so I am thinking of just taking care of general requirements. I am most interested in history, human services, or maybe psychology at this point. I will be doing other CLEPs my daughter and I will be studying for those together, but I was thinking of having something else in the fire at the same time.

>>

Here are a few things to consider:

psychology - info readily available, very straight forward. You're not going to have any trouble using this for credit in any college degree. Solid choice, but truly an "elective" type subject in high school. Something else, I found this exam kinda hard. I know most people say it was easy, but I think there was a fair amount of memorizing (brain stuff, stages and phases, etc) that this would require some study time.

human services- I vote no. First, this will come in as a college elective credit in most majors, and it is less straight forward. You'll have to get creative finding study guides. Again, another elective, but a pretty far out there elective for high school.

US History 1 and 2- These are really awesome exams to take as a high schooler. First, you study this anyway- it's not an elective, it's in your curriculum. History is a good mix of facts and critical thinking, but not too much of one or the other. These are straight lower level social science credits, again, almost certainly will count as general education credit no matter what major you choose. This is my favorite set for teenagers in the heading of social science because they already have some of this in their brain.

Science- I would hold off. The reason is, if your child ends up wanting to anything remotely related to science, these CLEPs won't count. In science/health/medical/engineering/pharmacy/vet/etc you need the lab sciences, and CLEPs are non-labs. These count in non-science majors, but so do 30something other exams. I'd just save these until you're sure of a major.

Analyzing and Interpreting literature- this is THE exam to have your child take if they are a reader. It's just a reading comprehension test. If they have read anything "old" (McGuffey, unabridged classics, etc) King James bible, poetry, etc then they can handle this exam. It's 6 credits- and doesn't require (or benefit from) much study. This is kinda "you can read this or you can't" type of test. If they can, they pass. If they can't, even studying makes this one dead in the water. It's a full 2 hours and only the strong survive lol! My husband (magazine reader) about died, but he did pass. The only down side- a lot of colleges don't award credit for this. However, all of the big 3 do for sure, and if your state college does- it will be 6 literature credits. Not bad for 2 hours!

Whatever exams you pick, just pick one and take it seriously. MANY people here talk about a couple hours of study and crushing an exam. I know it's possible, but the 51 credits I earned by exam all required a lot of study time. I did have one or two that were easier for me, but don't underestimate the exams.

Lastly, before signing up for ALEKS, google homeschool codes. You should be able to get 1 month free- then another month free for referring someone. They also have family discounts, so you might both be able to get 2 months at the same time. HUGE savings.