My TESU Journey So Far (Need Advice)

[FastTrackLearner]

Hi everyone, I’m new here and I’d really appreciate some guidance or suggestions. Here’s my situation:

Background:
I’m 21 years old (turning 22 soon). I was originally studying medicine but decided to switch paths. I’m now focused on finishing a bachelor’s degree as quickly and affordably as possible so I can move forward with my career and future plans.

Degree Goal:
I applied to Thomas Edison State University (TESU) for the BA in Computer Science, since it’s one of the few fully online, affordable, and transfer-friendly programs.

Transfer Strategy:
My plan is to bring in as many credits as possible through Sophia.org and Study.com (up to 90 credits), then complete TESU’s required Cornerstone and Capstone plus the residency waiver. My rough budget is around $7k total for the degree.

Application Status:
I applied on August 31. TESU hasn’t admitted me yet because they require proof of English proficiency before moving forward. I thought my high school transcripts would be enough since I studied fully in English in Saudi Arabia, but apparently not.

The New Problem:
TESU is asking for an English proficiency test (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, etc.). This was unexpected and is making me nervous because it adds time and cost. I’m considering the Duolingo English Test since it’s fast and online, but I’m not sure how tough it is or how long I should prepare.
Concerns:
1. I’m worried whether Sophia/Study.com credits are still fully accepted and if relying on them heavily could “devalue” the degree.
2. I’m not sure how to handle the English proficiency requirement in the fastest and safest way.
3. I want to make sure my transcript situation (black & white copy, ministry stamps, sealed envelope) will satisfy TESU or if I should go through ECE/WES instead.
4. Long term, I want this degree to be recognized internationally (especially in the Gulf, Europe, and possibly for a Master’s in the US like Georgia Tech OMSCS).
My Questions for the Forum:
1. Has anyone recently gone through TESU with a heavy mix of Sophia + Study.com credits for Computer Science? Any transfer issues?
2. Which English test is the fastest/easiest for someone who already studied in English (Duolingo vs TOEFL vs IELTS)?
3. For transcripts: should I send them directly to TESU or go through ECE/WES first to avoid delays?
4. Any advice on speeding up the process while keeping costs low?
Thanks a lot in advance! I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed with the sudden English test requirement and transcript bureaucracy, so any insight or encouragement would help.

[n0fx]

I'm in-state and my cost for cornerstone, capstone and residency waiver will be $6,040 before the graduation fee and any books. You might be SOL for $7k.

[FastTrackLearner]

Thanks for clarifying. I don’t really mind if my total ends up a bit higher — around $8k is fine. What I’m mainly worried about is making sure I’m on the right path with my plan. Does everything I’ve outlined look solid for finishing the degree at TESU, or is there something I should adjust?

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I'm in-state and my cost for cornerstone, capstone and residency waiver will be $6,040 before the graduation fee and any books. You might be SOL for $7k.

[n0fx]

Thanks for clarifying. I don’t really mind if my total ends up a bit higher — around $8k is fine. What I’m mainly worried about is making sure I’m on the right path with my plan. Does everything I’ve outlined look solid for finishing the degree at TESU, or is there something I should adjust?

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I'm in-state and my cost for cornerstone, capstone and residency waiver will be $6,040 before the graduation fee and any books. You might be SOL for $7k.

I would say off the bat, figure out the English proficiency first, so they can move forward with the evaluation. I am not in Computer Science, but here's my take:

1. I had already sent in 24 credits from Sophia, along with my Associates and other RA credits, when I applied. All Sophia credits were accepted.  Then, when I met with an advisor for the first time, he told me that any additional alternative credits (Sophia, study, etc.) looking for approval should be sent in an email to advising with no more than 6 courses at a time. Part of the body of the email I sent: 

I plan to take the following ACE/NCCRS-approved Study.com courses and would like to confirm that these will transfer as upper-level Liberal Studies Area of Study (AOS) credit, not as general electives:

PSY 316 – Social Psychology (TESU: PSY-3790)
PSY 310 – Psychology of Personality (TESU: PSY-3520)
PSY 106 – Abnormal Psychology (TESU: PSY-3500)
SOC 305 – Sociology of Work (TESU: SOC-3620)
CRJ 301 – White Collar Crime (TESU: CRJ-3030)
BUS 323 – Organizational Theory (TESU: PSY-3600) — I understand this may only apply to the General Management concentration, but I’d appreciate confirmation just in case.

And his response:

The following Study.com courses would satisfy the 15 upper-level credits in the liberal studies area:
 
PSY 316 – Social Psychology (TESU: PSY-3790)
PSY 310 – Psychology of Personality (TESU: PSY-3520)
SOC 305 – Sociology of Work (TESU: SOC-3620)
CRJ 301 – White Collar Crime (TESU: CRJ-3030)
BUS 323 – Organizational Theory (TESU: PSY-3600)
 
PSY106 transfers as a 2000 level course and is not approved. 

2. Unsure about the English test.

3. I think for international, TESU doesn't handle them straight up. You'd most likely have to go through ECE/WES

4. Look for partnership deals, promos, etc. for sophia and study and GRIND! 

Here is Major Mash's Study spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1utfxa2hAJ84K12yenpqjIJpNjXEXpVJ1/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110586660540374526657&rtpof=true&sd=true

Good luck.

[Epiphany.y]

It seems that TESU does not accept Duolingo scores.

[bjcheung77]

Great initial post to get the ball rolling, but it's best to provide the info asked for within the addendum and template, I would create a spreadsheet with the plans already on the WIKI for TESU: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...Area-works

[P226mem]

Someone mentioned above that TESU doesn't accept duolingo. Also wanted to mention on TESU website they mention that in addition to the tests that accept, there is another way to show English proficiency. Provide documentation of 9 semester credit hours (not including ESL or developmental courses) with a C or better at an accredited/approved college or university in a country where English is the medium of instruction. and to use a form from this part of website
https://www.tesu.edu/admissions/requirem...tional.php