New girl here, would like advice for Clep

[lilacskin]

Hello! I am so glad I found this forum! I am going to start with a bit of a backstory...

I went to college right after highschool but due to some very private extenuating circumstances I ended up getting terrible grades. This happened 2 semesters and I had to basically fight the Uni to get those off my transcript. I ended up taking time off after that to figure things out, and it turned out being longer than I thought. I am 22 now and fully understand the importance of having a degree. I think I held it off so long because the Idea of starting from scratch really scared me. I was never told about Clep exams. I recently found out through my own research, because I knew there just had to be a way to test out of certain subjects. I know with the right amount of preparation I can pass these tests, and obviously some of them more easier than others. I want to get as many credits as I can to count towards my bachelors.

I was wondering if there is a limit on how many credits you can aquire through Clep exams? Do most uni's not let you go over a certain amount? How difficult are these tests on a 1-10 scale? Do these only cover the general ed requirements? Sorry for all the questions I have been searching online and couldn't really find clear answers. I am so excited though, this almost sounds too good to be true!

[Lindagerr]

All of these are normal questions from Newbies If you go to this great website dcan started I think it will answer most of your questions

Degree Forum Wiki

After you look through that if you have more specific questions we can probably help. That site was started to answer some of the questions we have answered so many times before.

By the way welcome and you are not old to be starting this so I am sure with the willingness to invest the time and effort you will have this done in a reasonable time.

[bldclot2]

Lilacskin,

Welcome to the forum. If you are planning to attend a local University or College usually you will face a limit to how many CLEP/DSST credit you can transfer in. Most schools in my state allow 30 units. The test are not very difficult with proper studying and planning, but if you are not good at a subject it will be harder.... but again not impossible. CLEP usually cover most Gen ED and DSST cover several other topics to include Gen ED.

Use the search engine on this forum, it is very likely that someone else has asked the same questions you have.

Also, check out FREE-CLEP-PREP.com for more information and the wikia page Lindagerr has recommended. Learn about the "BIG 3" (Thomas Edison State College, Excelsior College and Charter Oak State College).

Before making any crazy moves asked the forum for further advice, the members on the forum are VERY helpful and are willing to help.

-bldclot2

[lilacskin]

Thanks so much Lindagerr! I do feel old although I know I shouldn't! How long do you think something like this would take? I actually have a very flexible work schedule and a lot of time to study.

[bldclot2]

How long it will take is up to you, some folks here have finished a BA in less than a year and others have finished in 2 plus years.

[lilacskin]

I go to Nova Southeastern Uni...I guess I will have to ask my adviser what they take. Thanks for being so helpful!

[lilacskin]

Would love to hear from someone that did CLEP while attending Nova Southeastern University. Also do you all think it would be possible to take traditional classes while knocking some credits out with clep at the same time? I am ready to order the Clep official study guide 2012...so ready for this! I already took bio classes, american history, poli sci, theatre, and I am almost fluent in spanish. I feel like those tests will not be too difficult for me.

[barcotta]

Would love to hear from someone that did CLEP while attending Nova Southeastern University. Also do you all think it would be possible to take traditional classes while knocking some credits out with clep at the same time? I am ready to order the Clep official study guide 2012...so ready for this! I already took bio classes, american history, poli sci, theatre, and I am almost fluent in spanish. I feel like those tests will not be too difficult for me.

Yes--it is certainly possible to work some CLEP studying in with your regular studies--and advisable. A visit to your school's site reveals that you can earn up to 24 CLEP credits--and some of the categories are VERY generous. I would start with Spanish. Score at least a 63 (out of 80--should be very doable if you're nearly fluent) and you get 12 credits right there. Imagine that. Four regular classes in one exam. Then I would look at College Composition which is worth six (6) and College Mathematics (reportedly the easiest of the math CLEPs) will get you another six (6). None should require extensive study. 24 credits for 3 tests and about $240. That's darn near two semesters. What are you waiting for????? Here's everything you need to know from your school's site:

http://www.fcas.nova.edu/services/academ...s/clep.pdf

[lilacskin]

Thanks Barcotta...where did you see the part that says they accept 24 clep credits?

[dcan]

FYI the Big 3 (Thomas Edison State College, Charter Oak State College, and Excelsior College) accept 120 CLEP credits. Actually, 120 transfer credits, which is what CLEPs are considered, but also what courses from other schools are considered. In other words you can transfer in your existing credits and finish the rest through things like CLEPs. There's more than just the pure test-out option via CLEPs as well. Quite a few of us are taking actual classes from the Big 3 while we also study for tests. I'm preparing to take the marketing and management CLEPs and about to enroll in business law, and will also test out of micro and macro economics during that class.

Also, free-clep-prep.com has a (subjective) rating scale of test difficulty. And the forum you posted this thread in has a sticky post at the top discussing the easiest tests taken. Also, if you subscribe to IC you get access to the Specific Feedback forum with all the dirt on each test.

I do recommend reading the wiki, it is designed specifically for your kinds of questions. Also, there are a lot of options, and there are sometimes better ways to solve problems than what may seem "obvious" at first glance. It can get confusing, and the learning curve can be tough, so use this forum. A lot.