New Here, seeking clarification on getting started with TESC

[mcodyuu]

Hello all,

I've just recently discovered TESC, and I'm wanting to get a degree in Psychology. Would like to apply to a grad school in my state once I'm finished.

Anyhow, I'm a little confused and hoping somebody can help me understand how to get started...

I send transcripts and have them do the initial evaluation so I can get an idea of what classes I need to take with TESC. Next (and this is where it gets fuzzy for me), I complete all of my testing and THEN enroll? Do I need to be enrolled to take any of TESC's equivalency tests? When I do complete a CLEP, DSST, etc., do I have my results sent to TESC even though I'm not enrolled?

Any help would be appreciated!

[unRendered]

I would read through the Unofficial Degree Forum Wiki. It has a ton of info, which will answer your questions on where to start. At least it did for me.

The page, The Basic Approach, answers most of the questions you've asked.

I complete all of my testing and THEN enroll?

Yes, you test first, then enroll. This way, you only have to pay tuition once.

Do I need to be enrolled to take any of TESC's equivalency tests?

Not sure. I believe you just create an account and sign up. That's how it is when you take a test at Excelsior.

When I do complete a CLEP, DSST, etc., do I have my results sent to TESC even though I'm not enrolled?

If you're not enrolled, you won't send them to the school. You'll submit everything once you've completed all of the tests you plan to take.

Here's Sanatone's BA in Psychology degree plan. You'll just need to build off this and put together a plan with the electives you'd want to take.

Like you, I'm just getting started! Hope this helps!

[mcodyuu]

I've read through the wiki, and did come across the Basic Approach page. But, I just wanted clarification because the order of events seemed strange.

I think the reason I'm confused is because I was under the impression that, upon completing an exam (CLEP, DSST), you can only have the official results sent to whichever school you're attending. Is that not the case? I've clearly never taken an equivalency test before. :o

So, would I be receiving the official results in my mailbox, which I would later send (or forward? Is it like an official transcript, which has to remain sealed?) to TESC after having finished *all* other tests and enrolling?

[Prloko]

I've read through the wiki, and did come across the Basic Approach page. But, I just wanted clarification because the order of events seemed strange.

I think the reason I'm confused is because I was under the impression that, upon completing an exam (CLEP, DSST), you can only have the official results sent to whichever school you're attending. Is that not the case? I've clearly never taken an equivalency test before. :o

So, would I be receiving the official results in my mailbox, which I would later send (or forward? Is it like an official transcript, which has to remain sealed?) to TESC after having finished *all* other tests and enrolling?

Because the enrollment fee for TESC is so high, students recommend you get your transfer credits first and then enroll and transfer the credits as late as possible, minimizing the cost for you. If you are using this strategy, you will take the exams and when you finally enroll you will send a CLEP and DSST transcript to TESC for evaluation.

Just note that the TESC catalog and degree requirements change each year and you are not locked in until you enroll. Even still, changing a class or two is still cheaper than their annual enrollment fee.

[Jonathan Whatley]

I think the reason I'm confused is because I was under the impression that, upon completing an exam (CLEP, DSST), you can only have the official results sent to whichever school you're attending. Is that not the case? I've clearly never taken an equivalency test before. :o

So, would I be receiving the official results in my mailbox, which I would later send (or forward? Is it like an official transcript, which has to remain sealed?) to TESC after having finished *all* other tests and enrolling?

Yep!

If you're currently an enrolled student or have an active application in process at a school, you can choose that school from a menu in the testing program and the CLEP or DSST services will send your score to the school free of charge.

Also, whether you send this score report or not, the CLEP or DSST services will retain your score: CLEPs for 20 years, DSSTs I think indefinitely. For a single fee, currently $20 for CLEPs, $30 for DSSTs, the services will send one transcript each including all your exam scores with them to an institution. In this sense, they 'bank' scores for you.

[ironheadjack]

Supposedly TESC will hold transcripts and test results, for up to 6 months even if they've never heard of you.

[mcodyuu]

Yep!

If you're currently an enrolled student or have an active application in process at a school, you can choose that school from a menu in the testing program and the CLEP or DSST services will send your score to the school free of charge.

Also, whether you send this score report or not, the CLEP or DSST services will retain your score: CLEPs for 20 years, DSSTs I think indefinitely. For a single fee, currently $20 for CLEPs, $30 for DSSTs, the services will send one transcript each including all your exam scores with them to an institution. In this sense, they 'bank' scores for you.

Awesome - thank you for the info and peace of mind.

[Prloko]

Supposedly TESC will hold transcripts and test results, for up to 6 months even if they've never heard of you.

I was going to mention this, but I heard it in the 3rd person and wasn't sure if this was actually true or not. Anyone have actual experience with this?