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Road to a Bachelors degree @ TESC (39-120 Credits) in 6 Months + My official IM DONE!
#1
I am done!

I have read countless “I am done” threads, and it feels spectacular to be able to say this. I decided to document my journey starting back in September 2012! I now want to share my story in hopes of encouraging anyone thinking of or in the process of getting a degree.

I am writing this specifically for those seeking a cheap (testing), easy (not cheating on a test easy but in the most straight forwards sense), and FAST degree!

All that is required is a little bit of Money, dedication, and drive.

Please forgive me for any grammatical errors.

My Story: I am 22, went to a traditional university, and joined the Military. I started this journey with only 39 credits that would transfer. I stumbled on the BA in four weeks site in September when I was feverishly looking for the quickest way to a degree. I needed to secure a job promotion (which I have since received, but have decided to choose a different career field after I realized how many doors it can open). I found this forum and started to see post with people going from 0 to 120+ credits in months. I had my doubts and was initially very skeptical. I did my research, and everything proved legit. Once I decided to go for it, I picked Thomas Edison State College.

Reasons why I chose Thomas Edison State College:
- The Name / The name has an official sound to it, and people in my home state have actually heard of it.
- Accreditation (It shares that with a few more well-known schools, which you can toss out if someone has that strange :confused: “were in the world is that” look on their faces.
- Money / It may not be the cheapest option, but if you are in the military I think it’s the best option.
- I originally wanted to go with COSC, but the website turned me off. Sounds a little superficial, but I just could not find the info I needed.

Total Cost: $2074
- $60.00 on InstantCert
- $1704 on Enrollment
- $280 on Graduation Application
- $30 on Prometric
*Keep in mind the cost of the capstone class, and other fees included that I had waived due to the Military degree completion program.

From September 2012 to March 2013 I earned 81 Credits and this is how:

I discovered this site on a Sunday and took my first test that Friday.
Here is the break down on dates that can also be seen in my signature.
Test taken:
DSST: Human Cultural Geography - 3Cr (9/14/12) - This was my “can I do this” test. – A WEEK OF STUDY
DSST: Intro to Computing - 3Cr (9/14/12) – 2 DAYS OF STUDY
CLEP: A & I Literature - 6Cr (9/21/12) - EASY
DSST: World Religions - 3Cr (9/28/12) – A WEEK OF STUDY
DSST: Law Enforcement - 3Cr (9/28/12) Took Cold
DSST: Substance Abuse - 3Cr (10/05/12) – 4 DAYS OF STUDY

Notice the Gap in dates – Oh I took one… and failed by a point – Wanted to quit but my better half would not let me! I got back on here and found a replacement.

CLEP: Sociology - 3Cr (10/25/12) – 1 WEEK OF STUDY
CLEP: American Lit - 6Cr (11/02/12) – 1 WEEK OF STUDY
DSST: Organizational Behavior - 3Cr (11/16/12) – 4 DAYS OF STUDY
CLEP: Psych - 3Cr (11/28/12) – 2 DAYS OF STUDY
DSST: Fund of Counseling - 3Cr (11/30/12) – Skimmed a study guide
DSST: Techl Writing - 3Cr (11/30/12)- Skimmed a study guide
DSST: Lifespan Dev Psych - 3Cr (12/04/12) – 1 DAY OF STUDY
CLEP: Social Science - 6Cr (12/07/12) – 3 DAYS OF STUDY

Notice the Gap in dates: I kicked back and enjoyed the Holidays, and then things got crazy at work in January. I cancelled my test like 3 times.

DSST: Prin of Supervision - 3Cr (2/01/13) – Took Cold
DSST: Env & Hum - 3Cr (2/5/13) – EASY AS PIE IF YOU GET THE S.G. in the S.F. FORUM
DSST: Astronomy (2/27/13) – HATED!! – 2 WEEKS OF ON/OFF STUDY AND BARELY PASSED.
DSST: Vietnam (3/4/13) – Easier than it seems, not sure why its rated Hard – 1 night of study.

TESC LA Capstone (3/22/13) - Started in January 2013 and finished around March 20 something. Very easy, you have to be brain dead and purposely forget to submit something to fail. Took about 1-2 hours of my time a week. I feel short on the 25 pages and somehow got a 100 on the final.. tells you something Eh?

How I studied:
I strictly used the forums here to study. (the specific feedback) . I only used InstantCert once. My plan of action was to study 1 week for each test, and to take a test every Friday. I stuck to this plan in the beginning, but life happened. A couple test I took cold, a few test I studied for a day, and some I had to take on my lunch break. Literally.

I also knocked out all 15 FEMA credits I needed in about 3 days. I recommend Becoming a member of Course Hero and then knocking these bad boys out. Google is also your friend on these!

After I finished my last DSST test, I had a full transcript from fema and prometric sent to TESC. I Enrolled as a regular student and paid the fees mentioned above. I just received my final grade and confirmed my degree audit was done and should receive the Graduation confirmation in a few days.

I thought I could not do this at times. I work 40-48 hours a week, I also run a side business, and also have some weekend (army) warrior duties once a month. Let’s not forget this little thing we like to call a relationship some of us participate in!
I will say it’s challenging and you have to force yourself to just DO IT! Reading post here will definitely motivate you. You guys have helped me bounce back from failed test, answered all my questions, and just have been nothing short of supportive. Thanks again, and I am definitely passing this little secret on to others!


Anyone else graduating in June??

Sincerely,
Riley
39 B&M Credits To Start With
Goal: 18 Test + 1 Capstone + 15 Fema = BALS TESC :hurray:
Plan: Started 09/10/12
Degree by June 2013
Test taken:
DSST: Human Cultural Geography - 3Cr (9/14/12)
DSST: Intro to Computing - 3Cr (9/14/12)
CLEP: A & I Literature - 6Cr (9/21/12)
DSST: World Religions - 3Cr (9/28/12)
DSST: Law Enforcement - 3Cr (9/28/12)
DSST: Substance Abuse - 3Cr (10/05/12)
CLEP: Sociology - 3Cr (10/25/12)
CLEP: American Lit - 6Cr (11/02/12)
DSST: Organizational Behavior - 3Cr (11/16/12)
CLEP: Psych - 3Cr (11/28/12)
DSST: Fund of Counseling - 3Cr (11/30/12)
DSST: Techl Writing - 3Cr (11/30/12)
DSST: Lifespan Dev Psych - 3Cr (12/04/12)
CLEP: Social Science - 6Cr (12/07/12)
DSST: Prin of Supervision - 3Cr (2/01/13)
DSST: Env & Hum - 3Cr (2/5/13)
DSST: Astronomy (2/27/13)
DSST: Vietnam (3/4/13)
TESC LA Capstone (3/22/13)
120/120 Credits Achieved


#2
Degree Plan:

Source Institution Source Institution
1 Univ of **** 2 Thomas A. Edison State College


BA General Education Distribution (42 SH)
Semester Hours Completed: 42.00
Complete all 5 subrequirements:
A: English Composition (Completed)
> Complete one full year of English Composition with a grade
> of C or better.
Semester Hours Completed: 6.00
GPA Achieved/Needed: 4.000 / 2.000
Group 1 (Completed)
Semester Hours Completed: 6.00
Src Course # Title S.H. Grd TESC # Notes
1.. WRTG1310 Intro to College Writing. 3.00 ENC-101 *TE
1.. WRTG1320 Academic Writing & Resear 3.00 ENC-102 *TE

B: Humanities (Completed)
> Complete 12 semester hours of Humanities, including at
> least two subject areas.
Semester Hours Completed: 12.00
Src Course # Title S.H. Grd TESC # Notes
1.. SPCH1300 Basic Oral Communication. 3.00 COM-108 *TE
1.. ENGL1350 Intro to Literature...... 3.00 LIT-101 *TE
1.. MCOM2310 Film Appreciation........ 3.00 FIL-160 *TE
2.. ENG-201... Technical Writing........ 3.00 CR ENG-201 *NE

C: Social Sciences (Completed)
> Complete 12 semester hours in the Social Sciences,
> including at least two subject areas.
Semester Hours Completed: 12.00
Src Course # Title S.H. Grd TESC # Notes
2.. GOG-120... Intro. to Human Geography 3.00 CR GOG-120 *NE
2.. SOS-102... Social Sciences and Histo 3.00 CR SOS-102 *NE
2.. SOS-101... Social Sciences and Histo 3.00 CR SOS-101 *NE
2.. PSY-101... Introduction to Psycholog 3.00 CR PSY-101 *NE

D: Mathematics (Completed)
> Complete a 3 semester hour college-level Mathematics
> course.
Src Course # Title S.H. Grd TESC # Notes
1.. MATH1390 Coll Algebra............. 3.00 MAT-121 *TE

E: Natural Sciences (Completed)
> Complete 9 semester hours in the Natural Sciences,
> including at least two subject areas.
Semester Hours Completed: 9.00
Src Course # Title S.H. Grd TESC # Notes
2.. AST-101... Introductory Astronomy... 3.00 CR AST-101 *NE
2.. COS-101... Introduction to Computers 3.00 CR COS-101 *NE
2.. ENS-201... Env. & Hum.: Race Save Pl 3.00 CR ENS-201 *NE
================================================================================
BA General Education Electives (18 SH)
> Complete 18 semester hours from any of the following
> General Education subjects: Humanities, Social Sciences,
> Natural Sciences or Mathematics.
Semester Hours Completed: 18.00

Student: Ms. Riley Staff: datatel Date: 04/06/13 Page: 3
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Src Course # Title S.H. Grd TESC # Notes
1.. ENGL2306 World Literature II...... 3.00 LIT-218 *TE
1.. PSCI1300 Intro to Political Scienc 3.00 POS-101 *TE
1.. HIST2301 American Nation I........ 3.00 HIS-113 *TE
1.. HIST1320 World History II......... 3.00 HIS-122 *TE
2.. SOC-101... Introduction to Sociology 3.00 CR SOC-101 *NE
2.. AOJ-101... Intro. to Law Enforcement 3.00 CR AOJ-101 *NE
================================================================================
BA Liberal Studies (33 Sh)
Semester Hours Completed: 33.00

GPA Achieved/Needed: 3.000 / 2.000
Complete all 3 subrequirements:
A: Upper Level (15 SH) (Completed)
> Complete 15 semester hours of 300 and 400 level Liberal
> Studies coursework. At least TWO or more different areas
> must be included to provide breadth of knowledge in the
> Liberal Studies Area (e.g., AREA I: Humanities courses:
> 18 semester hours; AREA II: Social Sciences courses: 9
> semester hours; AREA III: Natural Sciences courses: 6
> semester hours). The two areas can span the entire 33
> credit credit requirement.
Semester Hours Completed: 15.00
Src Course # Title S.H. Grd TESC # Notes
2.. REL-405... Intro. to World Religions 3.00 CR REL-405 *NE
2.. HIS-351... A History of Vietnam War. 3.00 CR HIS-351 *NE
2.. PSY-331... Introduction to Counselin 3.00 CR PSY-331 *NE
2.. PSY-361... Organizational Behavior.. 3.00 CR PSY-361 *NE
2.. SOS-303... Substance Abuse: Fund. Fa 3.00 CR SOS-303 *NE

B: Liberal Stds (15 SH) (Completed)
> Complete 15 additional semester hours of Liberal Studies
> coursework. A maximum of 6 credits can be at the 100 level.
Semester Hours Completed: 15.00
Src Course # Title S.H. Grd TESC # Notes
2.. PSY-211... Developmental Psychology. 3.00 CR PSY-211 *NE
2.. LIT-206... American Literature II... 3.00 CR LIT-206 *NE
2.. LIT-205... American Literature I.... 3.00 CR LIT-205 *NE
2.. LIT-292... Analysis and Inter of Lit 3.00 CR LIT-292 *NE
2.. LIT-291... Analysis & Interpre Liter 3.00 CR LIT-291 *NE

C: Liberl Arts Capstone (Completed)
> Complete course LIB-495 Liberal Arts Capstone.
Src Course # Title S.H. Grd TESC # Notes
2.. LIB-495... Liberal Arts Capstone.... 3.00 A
================================================================================
BA Free Electives (27 SH)
> Complete 27 semester hours of Free Electives.
Semester Hours Completed: 27.00
Src Course # Title S.H. Grd TESC # Notes
1.. HED1320 Concepts of Lifetime Heal 3.00 HEA-103 *TE
2.. MAN-201... Principles of Supervision 3.00 CR MAN-201 *NE
2.. EDM-140... Introduction to Mitigatio 1.00 CR EDM-140 *NE
2.. EDM-232... Intro, Residential Coasta 1.00 CR EDM-232 *NE
2.. EDM-155... Orien. Haz Mat for Med. P 1.00 CR EDM-155 *NE
2.. EDM-172... Radiological Emergency Re 1.00 CR EDM-172 *NE
2.. EDM-130... Eng.Prin.& Prac Flood Pro 1.00 CR EDM-130 *NE
2.. EDM-107... Principles of Emer Manage 1.00 CR EDM-107 *NE
2.. EDM-126... State Disaster Management 1.00 CR EDM-126 *NE

Student: Ms. Riley Staff: datatel Date: 04/06/13 Page: 4
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.. EDM-203... Exercise Design.......... 1.00 CR EDM-203 *NE
2.. EDM-199... Spec. Stud. in Selected T 1.00 CR EDM-199 *NE
2.. EDM-223... Special Events Contingenc 1.00 CR EDM-223 *NE
2.. EDM-191... Animals in Disaster-A.... 1.00 CR EDM-191 *NE
2.. EDM-190... Build.For Earthqua.Of Tom 1.00 CR EDM-190 *NE
2.. EDM-103... A Citizen's Guide to Dis. 1.00 CR EDM-103 *NE
2.. EDM-399... Spec. Stud. in Selected T 1.00 CR EDM-399 *NE
2.. EDM-101... Emer.Prog.Mgr.Orient.To P 1.00 CR EDM-101 *NE
2.. HEA-195... First Aid................ 1.00 CR HEA-195 *NE
2.. MSC-101... Military Science 1....... 2.00 CR MSC-101 *NE
2.. MSC-131... Marksmanship............. 1.00 CR MSC-131 *NE
2.. PEA-199... Spec. Stud. in Selected T 2.00 CR PEA-199 *NE
39 B&M Credits To Start With
Goal: 18 Test + 1 Capstone + 15 Fema = BALS TESC :hurray:
Plan: Started 09/10/12
Degree by June 2013
Test taken:
DSST: Human Cultural Geography - 3Cr (9/14/12)
DSST: Intro to Computing - 3Cr (9/14/12)
CLEP: A & I Literature - 6Cr (9/21/12)
DSST: World Religions - 3Cr (9/28/12)
DSST: Law Enforcement - 3Cr (9/28/12)
DSST: Substance Abuse - 3Cr (10/05/12)
CLEP: Sociology - 3Cr (10/25/12)
CLEP: American Lit - 6Cr (11/02/12)
DSST: Organizational Behavior - 3Cr (11/16/12)
CLEP: Psych - 3Cr (11/28/12)
DSST: Fund of Counseling - 3Cr (11/30/12)
DSST: Techl Writing - 3Cr (11/30/12)
DSST: Lifespan Dev Psych - 3Cr (12/04/12)
CLEP: Social Science - 6Cr (12/07/12)
DSST: Prin of Supervision - 3Cr (2/01/13)
DSST: Env & Hum - 3Cr (2/5/13)
DSST: Astronomy (2/27/13)
DSST: Vietnam (3/4/13)
TESC LA Capstone (3/22/13)
120/120 Credits Achieved


#3
I began my capstone in January as well Smile I just got an email saying they received my graduation application and that they are reviewing it. So, I too will be graduating in June. Are you planning on attending the ceremony (whenever it may be)?
#4
Not sure just yet, it's in September correct?
39 B&M Credits To Start With
Goal: 18 Test + 1 Capstone + 15 Fema = BALS TESC :hurray:
Plan: Started 09/10/12
Degree by June 2013
Test taken:
DSST: Human Cultural Geography - 3Cr (9/14/12)
DSST: Intro to Computing - 3Cr (9/14/12)
CLEP: A & I Literature - 6Cr (9/21/12)
DSST: World Religions - 3Cr (9/28/12)
DSST: Law Enforcement - 3Cr (9/28/12)
DSST: Substance Abuse - 3Cr (10/05/12)
CLEP: Sociology - 3Cr (10/25/12)
CLEP: American Lit - 6Cr (11/02/12)
DSST: Organizational Behavior - 3Cr (11/16/12)
CLEP: Psych - 3Cr (11/28/12)
DSST: Fund of Counseling - 3Cr (11/30/12)
DSST: Techl Writing - 3Cr (11/30/12)
DSST: Lifespan Dev Psych - 3Cr (12/04/12)
CLEP: Social Science - 6Cr (12/07/12)
DSST: Prin of Supervision - 3Cr (2/01/13)
DSST: Env & Hum - 3Cr (2/5/13)
DSST: Astronomy (2/27/13)
DSST: Vietnam (3/4/13)
TESC LA Capstone (3/22/13)
120/120 Credits Achieved


#5
Yes, I think it's sometime in September. I haven't heard anything yet. It would be nice to know though Smile
#6
Riley,

You're such a rock star! I love how you documented your journey, I've already shared this thread with someone I think might benefit from your work. Way to go, and CONGRATULATIONS!!!
#7
Congratulations!

Riley2012 Wrote:Anyone else graduating in June??

There are a few of us graduating in June, myself included.
BA in Natural Sciences/Mathematics, 2013 - TESC - Arnold Fletcher Award
AAS in Applied Computer Studies, 2013 - TESC
116 B&M Credits
32 FEMA Credits
9 ALEKS Credits - Intermediate Algebra, College Algebra, Trigonometry
9 Straighterline Credits - Business Communication, Microeconomics, English Composition II
6 TESC Credits - Global Environmental Change
3 DSST Credits - Environment and Humanity
#8
Congratulations. Its an inspiration to those of us who are just starting the journey, and hope to be in your shoes this time next year (or sooner hopefully.) Enjoy your degree.
BA in Liberal Studies (TESC) in progress
24/120 Completed
#9
Way to go RILEY!
Tara

I'm done!Smile Thanks to InstantCert, Study.com, ALEKS, CLEP and a LOT of work on my part and a lot of support from hubby and family. If I can do it, so can you! 

Degrees:
Thomas Edison State College (TESC) - Bachelor of Science Nursing; RN, BSN (Graduated in the top of 1/4 of class with Sigma Theta Tau honors)
+ 3 courses completed towards MSN.
Excelsior College (EC) - Associates in Applied Science (passed NCLEX- RN exam and became a Registered Nurse)


The test's Passed (CLEP'S, DSST's, ALEK's, etc.):
Credits/Course
3          Introduction to Sociology
3          Lifespan and Developmental Psychology
3          Humanities (64)
3          History of the United States I (60)
3          History of the United States II (65)
3          American Government (54)
6          Biology (58)
6          Analyzing and Interpreting Literature (67)
3          Principals of Management (72)
3          ALEKS: Intermediate Algebra
3          CLEP Intro to Psych
3          ALEKS: Statistics

YOU CAN DO IT!!![Image: smile.png]
#10
Nice documentation. Good job
CLEP: College Comp, Analyze Lit 72, Social Sci & His 67, Natural Sci 62, Micro 56, Macro 64, Psychology 69, Sociology 58, Mgmt 65, Mktg 67, Bus Law 69

DSST: Law Enforce 67, Money & Bank 61, Org Beh 70, HR Mgt 61, Bus Ethics & Soc 432, MIS 454, HTYH 456, Substance Abuse 465, Intro Compute 460, Intro Business 446, Intro World Relig 475, Supervision 438

TECEP: Advertising
TESC: Business Mathematics
FEMA: 3 credits for Free electives
ALEKS: Intermediate Algebra, College Algebra, Trig
PENN FOSTER: Strategic Bus Mgt, Consumer Behavior, Financial Mgt
STRAIGHTERLINE: Accounting I & II, Managerial Bus Com, Statistics

Finished April 2013 (14 months of work) - Graduated June 2013 with BSBA Gen'l Mgmt from TESU
2017-Going to enter WGU's teacher program 5-12 Chemistry


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