New here (first CLEP ?)

[cookderosa]

I think maybe I didn't state exactly what we are thinking of doing. My son wants to avoid the high tuition costs and 4-5 years of b&m college to get a bachelor's. He will do all this part at home and then proceed to a college for his masters. That way, he still gets that experience, but doesn't spend so much time there. He will bypass the usual route and obtain the 1st degree by testing and a few online classes.

I know I'll feel better about this after he gets that first passing test. I will then have something to show to say that this will work. Right now, I'm really thankful for this forum!

Me (I googled myself and didn't find anything. Does that mean I don't exist?)

>>

Margo,

My husband and I are thinking this exact same strategy that you guys are. I would love for my kids to be home for their bachelors (especially since they will start earning credits in high school) and actually leave for the masters. (I won't even say it is only cost, but maturity, etc) I think Jenny gave good advice for testing out of gen ed rather than in his major, but since he will be at an online college, I don't think this will be an issue. There are just SO MANY colleges out there that are fully accredited- unless he has his heart set on a specific school for his masters, I wouldn't give it a second thought. TONS of people here have tested out of their entire degree through Excelsior, TESC, or Charter Oak and went on (or plan )to enroll in grad school. I can't imagine anyone having a hard time getting into a master's program...now a SPECIFIC program at a competitive B&M college ...ummmm...maybe.... but there are just SO many to choose from. Besides, he may not want to attend a B&M college when the time comes. MANY very good name schools have online divisions and more are adding to the list every single day. (Harvard even has a master's degree program that is open enrollment!)
It's really a buyers market in education.

[cookderosa]

"It's really a buyer's market in education." Wow, there's a statement that caused me to ponder for a moment. If you look at the b&m colleges, it seems like it's still definitely a seller's market. The price is high, but what choice do parents have? Well, here's an alternative that many don't know about, but I think the time is ripe for a change. Inflation is rearing it's ugly head, the stock market bites, 401Ks are shrinking. More will be turning for something different or else just keep getting further in debt. >>


I have something for you to read. In the center of the page- a pdf file you can open. Use the one for high school students. Its about 75 pages- some of the best advice I have ever read. http://www.lowestcostcolleges.com

<<I have rescheduled our (that's right, 'our') first test for May 9th instead. >>

WHHHOOOO HOOOOOO! Google "literary terms" to come up with a list of vocab for the test. The rest is reading. I can't wait to hear how you both do!! Remember, 50 is passing. My husband and I took this the same day- when he came out of the room (I finished a few minutes before and had to wait in the hall) he held his head down and said he bombed it, he only got a 59. :eek: He thought he needed 60!! 59 passes with flying colors!

On the college plus thing- don't feel like you have to defend yourself. I think they meet a need to be sure. Besides, it's all new right now. Once your son (and you!?) work through some of this it will all start to be more clear. This time next year you'll both be experts :o)