Thanks to IC and All Discussion Board Posters

[learningasIgo]

Over the past four months, I silently read the discussion board posts on IC as I prepared for my spring semester of intensive CLEP/DSST test-taking. I read posts, took notes on what was said, and heeded the advice of many of the posters on this Web site, and I cannot tell you enough how helpful the information has been (along with the IC flashcards, of course!). Of the eight exams I needed, I passed the first five, and I am waiting to hear back on the three DSST tests that I just took.

Yesterday, I finished my last DSST exam--Civil War and Reconstruction--which means that in just four short months I was able to finish eight exams and, if I passed those last three UD DSSTs, 27 semester units (12 of them upper division units).

I was thrilled when I found out that I could save money on the cost of a college education by taking CLEP and DSST exams. I was also thrilled when I found a university that would accept them all with only minimal residence course requirements and offered online classes as well. Between CLEP/DSST exams, IC, the IC discussion board, and the generous program at my university, I have literally saved thousands of dollars on the cost of my bachelor's degree!

I am looking toward hopefully finishing my bachelor's a semester early (in December). That is, if I passed those three DSSTs I mentioned earlier. However, before I closed out my account at IC, I just wanted to say thanks to IC and to all of you who have taken the time to post your helpful advice in order to assist people like me.

Thanks, everybody!

[snazzlefrag]

Over the past four months, I silently read the discussion board posts on IC as I prepared for my spring semester of intensive CLEP/DSST test-taking. I read posts, took notes on what was said, and heeded the advice of many of the posters on this Web site, and I cannot tell you enough how helpful the information has been (along with the IC flashcards, of course!). Of the eight exams I needed, I passed the first five, and I am waiting to hear back on the three DSST tests that I just took.

Yesterday, I finished my last DSST exam--Civil War and Reconstruction--which means that in just four short months I was able to finish eight exams and, if I passed those last three UD DSSTs, 27 semester units (12 of them upper division units).

I was thrilled when I found out that I could save money on the cost of a college education by taking CLEP and DSST exams. I was also thrilled when I found a university that would accept them all with only minimal residence course requirements and offered online classes as well. Between CLEP/DSST exams, IC, the IC discussion board, and the generous program at my university, I have literally saved thousands of dollars on the cost of my bachelor's degree!

I am looking toward hopefully finishing my bachelor's a semester early (in December). That is, if I passed those three DSSTs I mentioned earlier. However, before I closed out my account at IC, I just wanted to say thanks to IC and to all of you who have taken the time to post your helpful advice in order to assist people like me.

Thanks, everybody!

Glad to hear the board has helped you along.

This is an open forum so, even if you close your IC account, you can still login and keep us updated.

Don't leave us hanging!
hilarious

Best of luck,
Snazzlefrag

[siersema]

Over the past four months, I silently read the discussion board posts on IC as I prepared for my spring semester of intensive CLEP/DSST test-taking. I read posts, took notes on what was said, and heeded the advice of many of the posters on this Web site, and I cannot tell you enough how helpful the information has been (along with the IC flashcards, of course!). Of the eight exams I needed, I passed the first five, and I am waiting to hear back on the three DSST tests that I just took.

Yesterday, I finished my last DSST exam--Civil War and Reconstruction--which means that in just four short months I was able to finish eight exams and, if I passed those last three UD DSSTs, 27 semester units (12 of them upper division units).

I was thrilled when I found out that I could save money on the cost of a college education by taking CLEP and DSST exams. I was also thrilled when I found a university that would accept them all with only minimal residence course requirements and offered online classes as well. Between CLEP/DSST exams, IC, the IC discussion board, and the generous program at my university, I have literally saved thousands of dollars on the cost of my bachelor's degree!

I am looking toward hopefully finishing my bachelor's a semester early (in December). That is, if I passed those three DSSTs I mentioned earlier. However, before I closed out my account at IC, I just wanted to say thanks to IC and to all of you who have taken the time to post your helpful advice in order to assist people like me.

Thanks, everybody!

Great job! CLEP, DSST, ECE, and others are all great ways to save a ton of cash while going to school. It's amazing more people don't use them.

[ShotoJuku]

Over the past four months, I silently read the discussion board posts on IC as I prepared for my spring semester of intensive CLEP/DSST test-taking. I read posts, took notes on what was said, and heeded the advice of many of the posters on this Web site, and I cannot tell you enough how helpful the information has been (along with the IC flashcards, of course!). Of the eight exams I needed, I passed the first five, and I am waiting to hear back on the three DSST tests that I just took.

Yesterday, I finished my last DSST exam--Civil War and Reconstruction--which means that in just four short months I was able to finish eight exams and, if I passed those last three UD DSSTs, 27 semester units (12 of them upper division units).

I was thrilled when I found out that I could save money on the cost of a college education by taking CLEP and DSST exams. I was also thrilled when I found a university that would accept them all with only minimal residence course requirements and offered online classes as well. Between CLEP/DSST exams, IC, the IC discussion board, and the generous program at my university, I have literally saved thousands of dollars on the cost of my bachelor's degree!

I am looking toward hopefully finishing my bachelor's a semester early (in December). That is, if I passed those three DSSTs I mentioned earlier. However, before I closed out my account at IC, I just wanted to say thanks to IC and to all of you who have taken the time to post your helpful advice in order to assist people like me.

Thanks, everybody!

[SIZE="3"]Terrific job and welcome to the show!! I know that not everyone participates in the forums but just think how active and interactive this group would be if all of the lurkers contributed. Come on now lurkers, don't be shy - send a post, start a thread, get involved and have some fun while learning something too!![/SIZE]

[Librevore]

Over the past four months, I silently read the discussion board posts on IC as I prepared for my spring semester of intensive CLEP/DSST test-taking. I read posts, took notes on what was said, and heeded the advice of many of the posters on this Web site, and I cannot tell you enough how helpful the information has been (along with the IC flashcards, of course!). Of the eight exams I needed, I passed the first five, and I am waiting to hear back on the three DSST tests that I just took.

Yesterday, I finished my last DSST exam--Civil War and Reconstruction--which means that in just four short months I was able to finish eight exams and, if I passed those last three UD DSSTs, 27 semester units (12 of them upper division units).

I was thrilled when I found out that I could save money on the cost of a college education by taking CLEP and DSST exams. I was also thrilled when I found a university that would accept them all with only minimal residence course requirements and offered online classes as well. Between CLEP/DSST exams, IC, the IC discussion board, and the generous program at my university, I have literally saved thousands of dollars on the cost of my bachelor's degree!

I am looking toward hopefully finishing my bachelor's a semester early (in December). That is, if I passed those three DSSTs I mentioned earlier. However, before I closed out my account at IC, I just wanted to say thanks to IC and to all of you who have taken the time to post your helpful advice in order to assist people like me.

Thanks, everybody!

Congratulations learningasIgo!! You did it! I always say this when one of you finish but ...it must feel just great!! Each of you that makes it inspires me. I love that part about saving thousands also. One of the very fun things that I want to sit down and do here soon is calculate how much I am saving by going this route! Anyway, much success to you in your future endeavors.

Librevore

[snazzlefrag]

One of the very fun things that I want to sit down and do here soon is calculate how much I am saving by going this route!

When I first decided to try and get my degree, way back in November (ha ha), I was looking at a university that would have charged me $395 per credit:
$395 x 120 credits = $47,400 (plus books, enrollment/graduation fees etc.).

Obviously, that was out of the question. So I found a university, offering courses online, that only charged $200 per credit:
$200 x 120 credits = $24,000 (plus books, enrollment/graduation fees etc.).

Still too expensive. So I looked at my local Community College to see what that might cost. I found out that they would only charge me $80 per credit:
$80 x 120 credits = $9,600 (plus books, enrollment/graduation fees etc.).


I thought that was quite reasonable. But for each of the above options, I would have to take full-length 16-week courses. If I managed to take two courses per semester (two semesters per year) whilst working a full-time job, it would take me TEN YEARS to complete my degree.

Then I stumbled upon Excelsior, and from there came across CLEP/DANTES. This is where my little heart jumped for joy. Here's the breakdown of my costs (your costs will vary depending on which exam combinations you actually take):
Total Cost for 121 credits = $3,410 (plus books, enrollment/graduation fees etc.).


Compared to the first university I was interested in, my total savings are:
$47,400 - $3,410 = $43,990

Compared to the online university I was interested in, my total savings are:
$24,000 - $3,410 = $20,590

Compared to my heavily subsidized local Community College, my total savings are:
$9,600 - $3,410 = $6,190

Of course, time-wise, I am also saving a great deal. I anticipate earning my degree within one year from start to finish. That would be impossible to achieve with any of the above three alternative options. My total time saved is:
10yrs - 1yr = 9yrs


If I include EVERYTHING into the total cost (enrollment, exam fees, proctor fees, books, graduation fees, even parking fees), my total estimated cost is: $4,900.


I also plan on completing a second degree which will require some additional exams and extra enrollment/graduation fees etc.

Total All-inclusive Cost (for TWO degrees): $7,735


By George, I think I'm onto a good thing!
hilarious

[Librevore]

When I first decided to try and get my degree, way back in November (ha ha)............

Of course, time-wise, I am also saving a great deal. I anticipate earning my degree within one year from start to finish. That would be impossible to achieve with any of the above three alternative options. My total time saved is:
10yrs - 1yr = 9yrs


If I include EVERYTHING into the total cost (enrollment, exam fees, proctor fees, books, graduation fees, even parking fees), my total estimated cost is: $4,900.


I also plan on completing a second degree which will require some additional exams and extra enrollment/graduation fees etc.

Total All-inclusive Cost (for TWO degrees): $7,735


By George, I think I'm onto a good thing!
hilarious

[SIZE="2"]Good thing my foot, George! This is stupendous!! [/SIZE] I know that all of us keep saying this but [SIZE="2"]WHY aren't more doing this?![/SIZE]

[snazzlefrag]

Good thing my foot, George! This is stupendous!! I know that all of us keep saying this but WHY aren't more doing this?!

Most people don't know about it, and the B&M schools certainly don't want to tell them about it. Of those who do know, many don't believe it, or mistrust it, or are too afraid to try it.

My sister-in-law is on the $10,000+, 10 year degree plan at our local Community College. She is taking one or two classes per semester towards a BS in Psychology.

I told her that she could CLEP a Psych degree at Excelsior for under $5,000, but she wasn't interested. I told her she could complete her degree in a year or two instead of 10 years, but she wasn't interested. I told her that the VERY SAME college she was enrolled in allows up to 60 credits of CLEP to be applied towards her degree, but she wasn't interested. I told her she could take just ONE exam for $60 to see if it was her cup of tea, but she wasn't interested. I told her I would help her prepare for that ONE exam, but she wasn't interested.

We started studying at around the same time. She now has 6 credits, and I now have 79. I'll be done by the end of the year...she'll be done by the end of the year 2016.

Sigh!

[Urbannaja]

Most people don't know about it, and the B&M schools certainly don't want to tell them about it. Of those who do know, many don't believe it, or mistrust it, or are too afraid to try it.

My sister-in-law is on the $10,000+, 10 year degree plan at our local Community College. She is taking one or two classes per semester towards a BS in Psychology.

I told her that she could CLEP a Psych degree at Excelsior for under $5,000, but she wasn't interested. I told her she could complete her degree in a year or two instead of 10 years, but she wasn't interested. I told her that the VERY SAME college she was enrolled in allows up to 60 credits of CLEP to be applied towards her degree, but she wasn't interested. I told her she could take just ONE exam for $60 to see if it was her cup of tea, but she wasn't interested. I told her I would help her prepare for that ONE exam, but she wasn't interested.

We started studying at around the same time. She now has 6 credits, and I now have 79. I'll be done by the end of the year...she'll be done by the end of the year 2016.

Sigh!

I've had the same reaction from a few people...they just will NOT try. It's frustrating to find such an awesome opportunity (especially for someone just starting) and not be able to share it...

[mom2LLL]

I told her that she could CLEP a Psych degree at Excelsior for under $5,000, but she wasn't interested. I told her she could complete her degree in a year or two instead of 10 years, but she wasn't interested. I told her that the VERY SAME college she was enrolled in allows up to 60 credits of CLEP to be applied towards her degree, but she wasn't interested. I told her she could take just ONE exam for $60 to see if it was her cup of tea, but she wasn't interested. I told her I would help her prepare for that ONE exam, but she wasn't interested.

Sigh!

I have a similar situation with my sister and brother-in-law and they both think it is weird. I guess maybe it sounds shady to them. My sister says that she doesn't think she could learn that way. She is happy for me and is amazed by the amount of credit I am getting, but she won't even ask her college about the possiblity of her taking any exams. :confused:

After my first exam, I was hooked. There was a sense of utter disbelief that I got 6 credits in 1 1/2 hours. I feel so smart after each exam and I actually retain most of the information.

I have tried several times in the past 20 years to go back to school. It has never worked for me. It either takes too much time from my family or I just can't stand sitting and listening to people who ask the same questions over and over again.... I actually took an online class that worked OK, but it was so time consuming. If I would have had the courage to take a CLEP test then, I wouldn't have taking English 101.

I do feel like I am cheating the system - and I LIKE IT! I am unconventional in most aspects of my life, so this fits in just great. I get nervous with things like GPA and not being able to move on with my future plans (whatever they may be). But I just can't worry about that too much right now. This is what works for me and this is what I will do.

Kim