SLCC + ? = Help!

[inkleind]

So you went back to tesc to get a second degree? Just for the untested out credits? What school were you trying to get into that it was a problem?

[UptonSinclair]

I will be getting my credits through BYU Independent and CSU Independent, but transferring them to TESC. Fort Hays State University requires 60 graded credits to qualify for their Master's programs. In addition, there are contracting jobs for the federal government that require a certain gpa or class ranking. They disqualify anyone with more than 10% exam credits.

The most important lesson I have learned in this process is to know your end game. Know why are you getting a degree and the best way to accomplish that goal. Testing out is great, but if you have to provide a transcript it will be viewed by some with suspicion. I tend to advise friends to avoid more than 30 credits now that I have been through the process.

For me, the biggest problem with using exam credits and straighterline was the lack of formal writing. Traditional degrees require quite a bit of writing which just can't be accomplished with testing out. Anyone who has read my posts knows that I have a long way to go with my grammar and organization.

In my opinion, testing out of a degree is fine for people who need to check a box in a current career field. The rest of us benefit from a balance of exam credits and traditional education.

[inkleind]

I love this response. Thank you for helping me understand a better picture. I feel like information like this should be in the wiki.

[UptonSinclair]

Please keep in mind that this is the opinion of just one man. Many on here feel different. We all have different goals and experiences. Good luck with your decisions. Regardless of the various opinions on here, everyone is very knowledgeable and willing to help.

[Mamasaphire]

The most important lesson I have learned in this process is to know your end game. Know why are you getting a degree and the best way to accomplish that goal. Testing out is great, but if you have to provide a transcript it will be viewed by some with suspicion. I tend to advise friends to avoid more than 30 now that I have been through the process.

For me, the biggest problem with using exam credits and straighterline was the lack of formal writing. Traditional degrees require quite a bit of writing which just can't be accomplished with testing out. ....

In my opinion, testing out of a degree is fine for people who need to check a box in a current career field. The rest of us benefit from a balance of exam credits and traditional education.

Totally agree!!! I love how you stated that.

Testing requires it's own kind of intelligence (ability to memorize & spit back out), but writing skills are often what employers of college grads are looking for. And while writing intensive courses are time consuming, those skills (and addition to gpa) are very important.

I chose to take a Technical Writing class at my CC for the learning opportunities even though testing out of that would have been many hours less work. I'm a nontraditional student with decent English skills, but this professor is a very strict grader and the class has been a LOT of work. However, I think it has been good for my brain, and I'm making up for the free-spirit-want-to-control-my-own-education part of me by choosing & taking the SL courses *I* want for the fun of it

[dfrecore]

For some people, testing out is a better option; for others, they may want to take an online course; still others may want a butt-in-seat option. And it may depend on the person, or the class, or many different factors.

I actually liked taking classes, but I don't have the availability to take them right now (kids, spouse who travels, other commitments, etc.). I also have always struggled with the 16-week format - I lose interest halfway through the semester. I need a shorter timeframe.

So, I'm just glad that we all get to choose our own paths, and decide what's best for ourselves! We get to figure out what works best for us, what kind of degree we want, what kind of time commitment we can make, etc.

It really is the best of all worlds to have found this forum!!

[Mamasaphire]

I actually liked taking classes, but I don't have the availability to take them right now (kids, spouse who travels, other commitments, etc.). I also have always struggled with the 16-week format - I lose interest halfway through the semester. I need a shorter timeframe.

I hear you on this one! I am wearing multiple hats and to keep going I need efficiency
I am halfway through the semester with Tech Writing (a CC hybrid), and am so ready to learn about something else already. I think a typical semester is just too long, even for the slower learners. The time seems to be mainly filled with unnecessary busywork (of course I was homeschooled by an unschooler, and have homeschooled my own children traditionally -- so would appreciate a "moderation" stance). The SL courses helped a lot, but am almost done with what I can use. I am getting more and more disillusioned with the modern college system -- however I don't think cramming and testing is always the answer either.

And yes! This forum is very helpful. Each individual finding what will really work for them as an individual is a beautiful thing.