I need some sage advice

[JDSmith]

Ok, Here's my situation. I would really like to finish my Bachelor's in under two years if at all possible. CLEP's would be great but I want to keep my ability to get into a Master's program or possibly Law school open. So what I'm looking for is the best way I can both finish my degree in less than two years and be able to enter grad school (another question: does this method of getting a bachelor's look bad to grad schools?). I have a 3.4 GPA in Highschool and I would go for a scholarship but I honestly don't want to spend 4 years in college since it's possible to do this testing. So what's your opinion? how's the best way to achieve this?

I really appreciate ya'll taking the time to answer a kid's Q's
JD

[HawkGuy]

The best way to earn a degree fast would be through EC, TESC, or COSC. The "Big 3" as they're often called. Most B&M schools limit CLEP and transfer credit so that is something to take into consideration as you hunt for a school.

Just study and test and you could theoretically be done within a month. It will probably take longer than that, but you could be done in 6 months if all you did was study and test. Some things to think about as well are: Where will you live? How will you eat? How will you pay for these tests? At 75 bucks a pop plus a $25 testing fee, these little guys ain't cheap. If you can live at home and have the parents pay for it all, you're golden. If not.....

It sounds like you're really ambitious, which is great, but don't overlook all the other things going to college offers you. The friendships you'll make that will last years, the contacts and networking, the co-eds, parties, etc..

Just something to think about as you make your decision.

Hope this helps.

[JDSmith]

I really, really want to get the bachelor's done fast. But if this method is going to compromise my ability to get into grad school that would have major affect on my choice to test out of college. The question is can I do this and get into grad school?

[JBjunior]

That is for you to find out. Every masters program is different. Find out if the one you are interested in will be happy with your degree. There is no answer for your question, there are thousands of them.

[cookderosa]

I really, really want to get the bachelor's done fast. But if this method is going to compromise my ability to get into grad school that would have major affect on my choice to test out of college. The question is can I do this and get into grad school?

>>

I was accepted into every grad school I applied to (including University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana)and I tested out of 1/2 my undergrad degree and used a form of PLA for 1/4 (the remaining 1/4 through coursework). That said, that doesn't help you. If you are thinking about grad school soon (which I assume you are since you are planning to finish your bachelor's degree soon) you need to zero in on grad school first and work backward. Grad schools are all soooooo different, there is no promise that ANY undergrad degree from ANY school will get you into your first choice- sorry, no guarantees in life.

So, study the admission requirements for your top 3 or 4 school choices- contact them about any restrictions on the way you earn your undergrad credits and go from there. (I'd bet there are none) No one here can back any promise they make as an answer to your question.

I wanted to add that there are THOUSANDS of master's programs from regionally accredited schools (maybe more) and many are open enrollment.

[cookderosa]

Ok, Here's my situation. I would really like to finish my Bachelor's in under two years if at all possible. CLEP's would be great but I want to keep my ability to get into a Master's program or possibly Law school open. So what I'm looking for is the best way I can both finish my degree in less than two years and be able to enter grad school (another question: does this method of getting a bachelor's look bad to grad schools?). I have a 3.4 GPA in Highschool and I would go for a scholarship but I honestly don't want to spend 4 years in college since it's possible to do this testing. So what's your opinion? how's the best way to achieve this?

I really appreciate ya'll taking the time to answer a kid's Q's
JD

>>


JD, one more question. Are you still in high school? If so, given your apprehension, you should be taking
AP tests instead of CLEP. They will add a great deal to your college application and will award credit! (even Top-Tier/ Ivy League schools give AP credit) The CLEP website and AP website is http://www.collegeboard.com

Are you in AP classes? Even if not, find out which exams your school offers (might be 1, might be 12) and then look at area schools. Exams are only once a year- start studying! You want a minimum score of 3, optimal score of 4. (out of 5)

[HawkGuy]

Cookderosa and JBjr offered some really good advice and I'll second their opinions. I talked to an admissions rep about Argosy's PsyD program and the degree question came up. They had no problem with it.

What type of graduate education are you looking at and what schools?

[JDSmith]

Thanks for the advice. I understand what your saying now. Every grad school will have different standards. Got it. And yes, I'm a senior in Highschool right now. I haven't really nailed down what I would go for in grad school I just know that if I can finish this degree before next Christmas I would only be 19 and have plenty of time for extra education. I'm thinking about a Master's in Historical preservation. Depending on how well I qualify in the Debate tournaments this season I may decide to pursue Law after my BSBA but that's just an idea at this point.
Thanks so much guys!
JD

[barcotta]

I really, really want to get the bachelor's done fast. But if this method is going to compromise my ability to get into grad school that would have major affect on my choice to test out of college. The question is can I do this and get into grad school?

If you poke around at the Excelsior College site you can find a list of the grad schools to which Excelsior graduates have been accepted. I assume similar info is available at the TESC and COSC sites as well. That may give you some ideas--as well as some precedents you can use when contacting the various admissions offices.

Having said that--if I had it to do all over again--I would have gone to a traditional college straight out of HS. I'm sure you've heard all the usual arguments so I won't repeat them for you. What I find as an adult working in a professional environment is that everyone (but me) has a common experience (college) to which they frequently refer in professional and social interactions for the rest of their life. Also, and perhaps more immediately compelling-- college is likely your last chance to be part of a community where everyone is around the same age and doing the same thing. If you're on campus you have access to the fitness center to stay in shape and you have sporting and other events happening several times a week. Never again will all of your physical, educational and entertainment needs be so neatly packaged and placed on your doorstep. Please, just give that some thought before you make your final decision. Good luck.

[NAP]

Have you looked at any traditional college programs? I don't know for sure, but some of them may be more generous with CLEP credit for General Education requirements, so maybe you could cut 1-2 years out with tests and still go to college and take courses for a major. You could find the best of both worlds.