LSU Independent Distance learning questions

[Publius]

I'd like to start my LSU accounting courses by this time next month (it will be ACCT 2101 that I start with as it's a preq for ACCT 3001). The courses include the following:
Introductory Managerial Accounting (ACCT 2101) (Prerequisite: ACC 101 DE - Financial Accounting DSST)
Intermediate Accounting I (ACCT 3001)
Intermediate Accounting II (ACCT 3021)
Cost Analysis and Control (ACCT 3121)
Advanced Accounting (ACCT 4022)
Auditing (ACCT 3222)

I'm going to have to take the Accounting DSST before any of the classes (which isn't scheduled until March 1st though).
Do I have to have the DSST completed before I enroll or just have it done before I start the class?

Looking at just Managerial Accounting, it says two exams are required which will have to be proctored... How are those set up? Do I talk with my current testing proctor about it or will LSU set that up with them? I've heard of instances of libraries being able to proctor TECEPs, would they be able to proctor LSU midterms and finals? I'm not sure why they wouldn't but didn't know if there were exceptions let alone the normal proceeds.

Also, are they're any other places where the required textbooks could be purchased (cheaply)? I've become accustom to spending no more then $35 on study materials. I'd also hate to pay the full price for a book when I can get second (or even third or fifth hand) somewhere else at half the price and not pay the full $125. I googled the listed ISBN numbers, and searched for their book but couldn't find it anywhere. Is this normal? That's the books info for Managerial Accounting (Jerry J. Weygandt, Paul D. Kimmel, and Donald E. Kieso. Managerial Accounting: 4e with Study Guide. 4th edition. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Custom Services, 2009. ISBN: 0-470-89901-8 ISBN-13: 978-0-470-89901-4)

Is there anything else that someone who's anticipating starting an LSU course should be aware of?

Thanks much for any help and God Bless!

[Yenisei]

LSU courses are above average in difficulty, IMHO. At least with the accounting courses you can submit your assignments online (which not the case with the calculus courses).

IIRC, your librarian will have to be ALA certified, or you may have to use a college testing center- check their website. They probably will not ask for proof of prerequisites (they never did with me, although I had completed them).

On a previous thread I told you to consider looking at the University of North Alabama for your Intermediate Accounting and above (they don't offer Advanced Accounting)- no textbooks or proctoring is required (exams are online and timed). You may want to reconsider that advice after taking Managerial Accounting with LSU.

Try dealoz.com (it's a book price search engine).

[Publius]

Another question here.... Does anyone know if the LSU IDL exams (specifically accounting) can be taken by pen and paper or are they strictly CBT?

[NAP]

I am currently taking their calculus courses, which are completely by mail (not web-based).

Since I am not near LSU, I checked their list of pre-approved proctors (see link) and did not find one in my area. I then checked with my CLEP and DSST proctors (on college campuses) to find out if either one would proctor my (long) calculus exams. Then I submitted that info for approval at LSU (see LSU's form). You'll need to recheck with LSU that your proctor was approved before you are ready to take the exam. When you submit the last lesson before the exam, the exam will be sent to your proctor the day after the lesson is officially received.

LSU Proctor Info - LSU Independent and Distance Learning

I was given a questionnaire in the first lesson which asked about how and when I had met the prerequisites.

I was able to get a used textbook from Half.com: Textbooks , Books , Music , Movies , Games , Video Games

I was surprised to learn after enrolling that the exams are 1 hour per credit. The calculus exams are paper-based.

Best wishes on your courses!

[rebel100]

Amazon is usually has a very competitive price for used textbooks. I also buy international editions of newer textbook titles on e-bay quite often.

[NAP]

The LSU course description has this note about your textbook:

" Please note that this is a Custom Published textbook that is currently only available from Specialty Books, our online bookstore."

That seems to be the reason your options are so limited for this course's textbook.

[rebel100]

The LSU course description has this note about your textbook:

" Please note that this is a Custom Published textbook that is currently only available from Specialty Books, our online bookstore."

That seems to be the reason your options are so limited for this course's textbook.

I would still check, often the "custom" book is just the same text other schools get with a fancy cover that says "LSU". There is also, almost certainly a student that took the class at LSU last semester and will be happy to sell you their text...do check a few used sources before you pay full retail.

[Publius]

I would still check, often the "custom" book is just the same text other schools get with a fancy cover that says "LSU". There is also, almost certainly a student that took the class at LSU last semester and will be happy to sell you their text...do check a few used sources before you pay full retail.

I've searched countless online used bookstores but nothing has turned up... oh well.

Thanks everyone for your replies... they've been very helpful and have clarified multiple things.

@NAP, What do you mean when you said "I was surprised to learn after enrolling that the exams are 1 hour per credit." Does that mean that the test was 3 hours long if it was a 3 credit course?

[NAP]

.....
@NAP, What do you mean when you said "I was surprised to learn after enrolling that the exams are 1 hour per credit." Does that mean that the test was 3 hours long if it was a 3 credit course?

Yes, that is my understanding of their policy. That may be a standard way to have exams for colleges; I'm not sure.

I chose LSU because of the reasonable number of exams, lessons, and cost. I never thought to ask about the length of the exams. Since Calculus I is 5 credits and Calculus II is 4 credits, I was surprised to find out that I had signed up for 4 hour exams. That is a long time compared to the CLEPs, DSSTs, and even the 3 hour Subject GRE that I have taken already.

[Yenisei]

When I took accounting with LSU, there were three exams.