Testing out the idea of testing out

[CarpeDiem8]

Hi All!

I realize everyone is different in regards to doing well with taking tests or not.

Is there a recommended test to just see which path I would fit into best? Then I can outline my general education courses a little better since it appears there are many choices between testing out vs. Straighterline.com.

Thanks!

D

[dfrecore]

And there are many options besides Straighterline if you choose not to test out (Study.com, ALEKS, Shmoop, Ed4Credit, etc.).

You probably need to start with the Beginner's Guide, which though already a little outdated, explains a lot of the various methods that are available.

Then, you need to look at what school you're planning on going to, to see what they accept. If you're going to one of the Big 3, then you can do anything. If you're going somewhere else, you have to look at whether they will take ACE or not. Many schools will take CLEP.

If you want to consider testing first, then you need to look at the list of exams, and see if there's anything there that appeals to you. If you know Spanish, French or German, you will certainly want to take one of those CLEP exams. Here's a good place to look at the exams, and look at the rankings of how hard they are: Free Clep Prep.com

Good luck.

[CarpeDiem8]

And there are many options besides Straighterline if you choose not to test out (Study.com, ALEKS, Shmoop, Ed4Credit, etc.).[/url].

Hi dfrecore!

Yes, I signed up for Study.com, however, I did not see that there are any ACE courses for TESU?

Here's a good place to look at the exams, and look at the rankings of how hard they are: Free Clep Prep.com

Perfect!! Thank you!!!!

[dfrecore]

Hi dfrecore!

Yes, I signed up for Study.com, however, I did not see that there are any ACE courses for TESU?



Perfect!! Thank you!!!!

Everything that is "for credit" has a little green badge that says "this course is ACE recommended for credit" on it (when you hover). If there's no green badge, there's no credit.

[davewill]

Look for something you need for your degree at CLEP or DSST, and give it a go. The InstantCert flash cards and the forums that membership unlocks are great, in addition to other resources. I recommend picking your first by what you know. If you're a History buff, do one of the history tests, if you like Anthropology or Astronomy, do one of those. By the time you complete the process, you'll know.

[CarpeDiem8]

Ok, so it appears that CLEP/ DSST requires a testing service that I would have to physically go to, and since I have a toddler with no babysitting options, testing out this way won't work for me.

Do any of the TECEP's from TESU require physical testing as well? Are they proctored?

[jsd]

They are proctored but you can do them from home with a webcam

[eriehiker]

Hi CarpeDiem!

This whole distance learning process appeals to me because of the young children thing. My wife and I have 3-year-old twin girls and a seven-year-old son. I really can't do on-campus classes at this point. I am still learning, but I have found that there are lots of options available. I started with the free online classes:

Free Sources of Credit | Degree Forum Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia

All of these can be done on a laptop with the kids on the lap. That's what I've been doing. None of them are proctored.

I've been doing the ALEKS math classes. They are non-proctored, online and the beautiful thing is that the assessments can be done a problem at a time in random five and ten minute increments.

I have also been doing the Davar Academy classes that go on sale for $20. They do use a proctor, but it is a computer program proctor system that does not need to be scheduled. I have done those classes at night after we put all of the kids to bed. I lock myself in another room and take the tests. You could do them in a closet.

I have not attempted a CLEP test yet, but I've already picked up 29 credits in this fashion during the past month or so.

Just chip away at it and good job on moving forward.

Mike

[davewill]

Ok, so it appears that CLEP/ DSST requires a testing service that I would have to physically go to, and since I have a toddler with no babysitting options, testing out this way won't work for me.

Do any of the TECEP's from TESU require physical testing as well? Are they proctored?

TECEPS, and tests for most online courses are timed and require some sort of proctoring, although a few, ALEKS for instance, are unproctored. You won't be able to leave your computer during the tests so you will likely need someone to watch your toddler for an hour or two in order to do most of them successfully.

[Notgodot]

Shmoop courses are unproctored, but tests are timed. You can do as many as you are able to in one mornth for ~$89.

Study.com courses are web proctored, but don't need to be scheduled. The Guardian scholarship can get you 6 free courses; after that it's $200 for two exams in one month.

Saylor courses are web proctored and must be scheduled. The course is free; the proctoring is $25-30.

Hope that helps!