Ideas and misconceptions from a new guy.

[dirtybob]

Hey everyone, new guy checking in. Been hanging out a bit and reading back posts to get an idea of what Im in for as far as testing out a BA.

It seems that it is possible to almost completely test out a BA, and take a few online courses to make up the difference. In my head it would work something like this:

1. Enroll in an online school that accepts both Dantes and Clep credits.

2. Get with the adviser and figure out both what you want to achieve and how to accomplish that.

3. Study like crazy, and test like a madman.

4. Finish out my BA with online courses.

5. Happy Dance.

I understand it can be done differently, but thats the plan i have in my head. Just a basic outline.

Now, on to some questions:

1. The tests(Clep/Dantes) are taken at a approved testing center. I.E. Local College. Is that correct?

2. This rout to a BA is cheaper than the traditional four year University. Is there a baseline to help figure out how cheap? Say you go in not having any transferable credits. How much should someone plan on laying down?

3. This rout also seems faster, four years VS as fast as you can take and pass the exams. But how fast is that, Ive read about the "60 day BA" but Im sure that is the exception rather than the rule. What are some real life examples of getting it done?

4. Is there a list of "diploma mill" type testing facilities to be avoided? Im sure if I stick with the recommendations of the big three I should be ok, but hey, the more you know.

Still just trying to wrap my mind around this. Trying for some general information that i haven't been able to find in the archives.

DB

[dirtybob]

Thanks for the info and links Cinderly. My next question is, whats the best way to put together a testing plan?

What I mean is, how should i go about scheduling tests that will apply towards a degree? Id rather not take a bunch of tests that dont apply towards anything.

I have used the search function and have check out other peoples posted plans. But im wondering how they chose their courses/tests to apply to what they are trying to achieve.

The cost of enrolling at EC or TESC isn't a problem, i just dont want to end up having to take a second round of tests to fit why degree plan because i goofed the first time.

The first step, i assume, is to get with my old colleges ad get transcripts of what i did 10 years ago. Then should i get with an adviser to help build a plan? Who knows, maybe ill be able to transfer in with a few credits.

DB

[GettinMyBA]

DB,
I won't comment (because I don't know) whether you should enroll first or begin taking tests first, but I wanted to throw something else into the mix.... testing out is obviously much easier (and cost saving) over taking classes, but also you should take into consideration things like FEMA courses (do a search in this forum and you'll find all you need to know). FEMA courses are far easier than testing out and they are completely free. I think they may only be able to be used as free electives, but whatever.... grab all the easy, free stuff you can!
Good luck

[gcalvin]

You don't need to worry about testing facilities for CLEP, DSST or ECE exams. The test centers are authorized by their respective institutions, so they are all safe. I would highly recommend finding an Internet-Based Testing center for any DSST exams, but that's really a matter of personal preference -- some people like the paper-based exams because there is no time limit.

I cribbed the bulk of my plan from Lawrie Miller's bain4weeks.com site. If I were starting over, I would not follow exactly the same plan, as I ended up taking more ECE exams than I needed to. ECE is significantly more expensive than CLEP or DSST, and while their testing procedures are very professional and entirely fair, I found them a little more stressful than the CLEP and DSST exams. I highly recommend reading everything on that bain4weeks.com site, though. The site is somewhat out-of-date now, but his study recommendations are still right on, and the recommendations of which exams complement one another are very good as well.

As far as budget goes, the number in my head has been $10,000. I have not been nearly as rigorous as I should be about keeping track of my expenses, but I am quite confident that my total will come in under that figure -- including books, IC, sample exams, VangoNotes, etc.

I do recommend choosing a school and enrolling early. My feeling is that these schools are wonderfully inexpensive already, and I don't need to nickel-and-dime them beyond that. I chose Excelsior, and nothing I have heard or read since has made me regret my choice. Everyone there has been very helpful and cooperative, and their online course materials are very good. I believe TESC has some advantages for certain degree programs (such as MIS) and for using FEMA credits (I didn't use any).

One more thing you should consider is the GRE subject exam program. If you decide to enroll at Excelsior, you can earn as many as 30 credits by passing a GRE with a high enough score. That comes out to less than four and a half dollars per credit -- can't beat that deal with a stick! But the GREs are only offered three times a year -- the next seating is April 12, and you would have to register by March 7.

Good luck!

-Gary-

[dirtybob]

Thank you all for the quick replys. Im off to the bookstore today to try and find Cracking the CLEP and CLEP Official Study Guide.

I also shot off an e-mail to EC for a little more info on how things work with testing out. Baby steps I know, but they are in the correct direction.

DB

[cookderosa]

Thank you all for the quick replys. Im off to the bookstore today to try and find Cracking the CLEP and CLEP Official Study Guide.

I also shot off an e-mail to EC for a little more info on how things work with testing out. Baby steps I know, but they are in the correct direction.

DB

>>

I wish you well- this is a fun and addicting and productive hobby
Let me suggest that you take a few CLEPs before enrolling- but not applying. Apply- pay the fee and wait. When you sign up for your CLEP you can select your college and the transcript from your CLEP will go automatically to the college. They will record it for you and everything. They allow you (from memory) maybe 6 months before you would have to apply again- so use that 6 months to log your tests for free. At the close of that time, you can decide to enroll. There is no penalty for waiting- and I can't really see a reason to enroll ($) to just be sitting at home testing. (except for the psychological boost of "officially" being in college)
Just my thoughts!!