Why Charter Oak State College is better than Thomas Edison State College

[sanantone]

Even Joshua Graham from 123collegedegree.com, who was the pioneer in designing a plan for testing out of college degrees (as well as bain4weeks.com) states:

123collegedegree.com/collegecredits.html

"What are my different options to study for the exams?

1) Not study at all. Some people may feel they already know all that is necessary for the exam and therefore do not study at all.* This is usually not recommended unless you really feel that you are pretty knowledgable in the exam subject area.* For example, people who speak spanish fluently should be able to ace the CLEP Spanish exam.

2) You can buy related textbooks.* This is usually the preferred way to study for the exams.* The textbook is what you would normally use in a classroom setting.* However, this requires a lot of additional costs to find the correct textbook to study for.* Then you would have to take the time to go through each textbook and figure out what parts would be most relevant to the exam.* I created a booklist that is a compiled reference list of recommended textbooks that would offer you the most in passing the exams.

3) You can get study guides or "cliff notes". This is what everybody wants:* the quick and easy way to study the main points of what will be covered on the test.* But a similar problem still arises:* which ones are best for each exam? There are literally 1000's of them on the market.* Some are really good, and some are not so good.* You can go through the trial and error process like I did, or you can use the materials recommended below or in the degree plan.


What makes InstantCert Academy so great?

To put it bluntly, InstantCert cuts though all the fat and gives you the meat of what you need to know to successfully pass the credit-by-examination exams (CLEP, DSST, ECE, TECEP, etc.).* Over 3,000 US colleges and universities accept credit-by-examination in one form or another.* They've made it as simple as possible.

Instantcert vs iStudySmart...

iStudySmart takes a very in-depth approach in covering the material that will be on the test.* It is highly recommended ONLY if you either cannot find the study guide in instantcert or recommended textbook as outlined in my BS Roadmap.* Or, perhaps you did purchase the recommended textbook, but need additional guidance in picking out what topics to concentrate on to ace the exam.* Their study guides cost $139-189 a piece.* Compared to InstantCert Academy's $20/month.

For those of us on a budget, or simply want a simple, effective study guide for the test, InstantCert does the trick.* However, iStudySmart takes a more "hands-on-book" approach.* If there is no instantcert guide for an exam that you want to take, or there is an InstantCert guide but you are having a hard time grasping the concepts, then the iStudySmart guides should provide you with what you need.

Why do you promote instantcert so much?

It allowed me to complete an AAS in Electromechanical Studies and a BS in General Business degree requirements from Excelsior College* in 6 months by providing the study material necessary for me to ace the CLEP, DSST, ECE, and TECEP exams in record time.

I uploaded scanned images of my transcripts for those that need more proof.

*Excelsior College, Albany, NY is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and is recognized by the US Dept. of Education.* They do not endorse this site.* For more information on Excelsior's degree programs, click here.

How should I study using Instantcert?

Everything is online, so you can access the study material from anywhere you can access the internet.* There is no one right way to study.* Some people study while listening to their favorite CD.* Others must have complete silence.* The main thing to remember is that this is college-level material. Take it seriously.* I bought legal pads and took notes just like it were a physical textbook.

When you understand and can recogize most of the concepts presented in the study guide, you are ready to take the real exam.* Do not randomize the questions (you'll understand this when you login to instantcert).

Could I still pass the CLEP, DSST, ECE, etc. with out an instantcert/iStudySmart membership?

Yes, you could.* But can you afford $100+ for EACH recommended textbook?* Do you have time to spend months diving into a completely unfamiliar topic?* Only to be studying the wrong information?* Probably not."

So I really don't think what I'm advocating about TECEPs being less attractive than UExcels is really that unreasonable. I am not alone in thinking that, and even he agrees that going through a textbook is inefficient and that students want quick, easy, and convenient methods for getting credit fast, cheap, and easily. And why not? It's human nature to want to go for the path of least resistance. It's not a degree from a mid-tier or high tier school but it's regionally accredited and that's what many people need/want with these types of things.

This website was last updated in 2005! Bain4weeks was last updated in 2008. Do you know how many changes have happened since then? If you're so opposed to reading textbooks, Saylor has a partnership with TESC to create credit-aligned courses. They have six courses aligned to TECEPs. With the three flashcard sets for three other TECEPs, that's more than enough to meet the residency requirement.
http://www.saylor.org/pathways/earn-college-credit/

[KittenMittens]

This website was last updated in 2005! Bain4weeks was last updated in 2008. Do you know how many changes have happened since then? If you're so opposed to reading textbooks, Saylor has a partnership with TESC to create credit-aligned courses.
Earn College Credit | Saylor Academy

The information and the concepts are still the same. I don't see why it being from 2005 makes any difference. Whether it's the year 2005, 2015, or 2250, people want information the easiest and quickest ways possible. Does that really have to be pointed out? The core message he (and myself) are making is that people want to avoid reading entire tomes for good reason. That has never changed.

25 years ago you'd need to go to a library, find a book, search through it to find an answer, now you can get any answer by a quick and simple google search from home. That's what people want - and you seem to be pushing in the other direction. You just can't argue that most students prefer to read textbooks over short, concise, pamphlets. That's why websites like sparknotes, and cliffnotes exist to begin with.

Saylor Academy's not a bad option but again - the subjects that they have for TECEP will not complete fully complete a degree like for business . Most people want to gravitate away from courses, and want to take exams in the least amount of time possible i.e. reading a pamphlet, doing some practice exams, and being done with it. The Saylor Academy's not bad on that end, but they are more immersive and comprehensive than the type of student this plan is geared towards which is for getting a regionally accredited piece of paper for the "best bang for buck." Yes, the "per credit" option is the cheapest, but it's harder and more involved as a result.

[sanantone]

The information and the concepts are still the same. I don't see why it being from 2005 makes any difference. Whether it's the year 2005, 2015, or 2250, people want information the easiest and quickest ways possible. Does that really have to be pointed out? The core message he (and myself) are making is that people want to avoid reading entire tomes for good reason. That has never changed.

25 years ago you'd need to go to a library, find a book, search through it to find an answer, now you can get any answer by a quick and simple google search from home. That's what people want - and you seem to be pushing in the other direction. You just can't argue that most students prefer to read textbooks over short, concise, pamphlets. That's why websites like sparknotes, and cliffnotes exist to begin with.

If people were to follow those websites, they would waste a lot of time and money on things that are no longer accepted. If you're going to trust student feedback (I don't because more and more of it is out of date after refreshes), then there are plenty of quizlet flashcard sets for TECEPs.
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=ch...et%20tecep

Most people don't avoid reading textbooks because most people don't test out.

[sanantone]

TESC also lists many free prep materials, many of which, are not textbooks.
http://www.tesc.edu/degree-completion/do..._TECEP.pdf

[sanantone]

The information and the concepts are still the same. I don't see why it being from 2005 makes any difference. Whether it's the year 2005, 2015, or 2250, people want information the easiest and quickest ways possible. Does that really have to be pointed out? The core message he (and myself) are making is that people want to avoid reading entire tomes for good reason. That has never changed.

25 years ago you'd need to go to a library, find a book, search through it to find an answer, now you can get any answer by a quick and simple google search from home. That's what people want - and you seem to be pushing in the other direction. You just can't argue that most students prefer to read textbooks over short, concise, pamphlets. That's why websites like sparknotes, and cliffnotes exist to begin with.

Saylor Academy's not a bad option but again - the subjects that they have for TECEP will not complete fully complete a degree like for business . Most people want to gravitate away from courses, and want to take exams in the least amount of time possible i.e. reading a pamphlet, doing some practice exams, and being done with it. The Saylor Academy's not bad on that end, but they are more immersive and comprehensive than the type of student this plan is geared towards which is for getting a regionally accredited piece of paper for the "best bang for buck." Yes, the "per credit" option is the cheapest, but it's harder and more involved as a result.

You don't need to take TECEPs to complete the full degree; you only need to take enough to meet the residency requirement. The rest of the degree can be completed however you want. You don't need to take any of Saylor's exams to study for a TECEP or any other test that is not a Saylor test. You just need to read the links and watch the videos. However, you're advocating for practice exams, but you have a problem with Saylor's quizzes. That doesn't make any sense.

[KittenMittens]

If people were to follow those websites, they would waste a lot of time and money on things that are no longer accepted. If you're going to trust student feedback (I don't because more and more of it is out of date after refreshes), then there are plenty of quizlet flashcard sets for TECEPs.
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=ch...et%20tecep

Most people don't avoid reading textbooks because most people don't test out.

Quizlet flashcard sets for TECEPs from a google search are meaningless because they're just random flash cards made by some anonymous person. Instantcert stuff is professional - they have test takers, they comb through the test subject and filter out what the most topics are to study for. You are right that rarely they are a little off, but the student feedback from the forum here has shown where any pitfalls are. For every UExcel, DSST, CLEP exam mentioned in the wikia plan, there is recent and relevant information. Some subjects never change on what they can and what they will test for i.e. DSST Substance Abuse. Some/most the subjects I've mentioned can only be tested so many different ways, and there's enough student feedback to trust in the instantcert.com information. For all the subjects I've listed, I can personally testify that the forum advice was spot on and that the instantcert flash cards were accurate. For the very specific exams I mention, I don't think this is too much of a problem, but of course each person should do their own due diligence on that. I just think it's common sense that having some solid prep materials from a professional company for a subject is only going be more accepted by more students in the long run rather than going for an exam where all you have is a textbook. It's too ambitious for most people to do.

[sanantone]

Quizlet flashcard sets for TECEPs from a google search are meaningless because they're just random flash cards made by some anonymous person. Instantcert stuff is professional - they have test takers, they comb through the test subject and filter out what the most topics are to study for. You are right that rarely they are a little off, but the student feedback from the forum here has shown where any pitfalls are. For every UExcel, DSST, CLEP exam mentioned in the wikia plan, there is recent and relevant information. Some subjects never change on what they can and what they will test for i.e. DSST Substance Abuse. Some/most the subjects I've mentioned can only be tested so many different ways, and there's enough student feedback to trust in the instantcert.com information. For all the subjects I've listed, I can personally testify that the forum advice was spot on and that the instantcert flash cards were accurate. For the very specific exams I mention, I don't think this is too much of a problem, but of course each person should do their own due diligence on that. I just think it's common sense that having some solid prep materials from a professional company for a subject is only going be more accepted by more students in the long run rather than going for an exam where all you have is a textbook. It's too ambitious for most people to do.

What about TESC's recommended free study materials? Do you have an excuse for not using those? Do you even have any experience with taking TECEPs? The student feedback comes from the same types of students who make quizlet flashcards! You have obviously missed the many threads where people have said the IC flashcards weren't enough. You've also missed the recent posts that say that the feedback is now outdated because of recent test changes. Your opinion is that they are enough, but many have complained that they aren't. You should really stop assuming everyone is like you.

[KittenMittens]

You don't need to take TECEPs to complete the full degree; you only need to take enough to meet the residency requirement. The rest of the degree can be completed however you want. You don't need to take any of Saylor's exams to study for a TECEP or any other test that is not a Saylor test. You just need to read the links and watch the videos. However, you're advocating for practice exams, but you have a problem with Saylor's quizzes. That doesn't make any sense.

Sure, but again taking a full course is slower versus just studying a few pages, doing an official practice test or two, reading some feedback (you claim it's inaccurate, I say it's not because I've recently taken the tests and the forum advice even from years ago was still extremely helpful/spot on). If I want to take a course, I'd rather take StraighterLine course where it's $100, and the work I'm doing gives me credit. Going through Saylor you'll still have to spend dozens t hundreds of hours to complete them but with no guarantee that you'll pass the exam. With Straighterline, at least you can pass even without the final.

More importantly, if TECEP prep materials come out by instantcert.com, they are good, and enough students take exams and give enough feedback to give an idea how the exams are like, then more power to TECEP exams. When that day comes, then I'll gladly endorse TECEP exams 100% (and I'm not against taking TECEP exams in general, sure there are some easy ones here and there - but I'd imagine you'll hit a stumbling block after 1 or 2).

[sanantone]

Sure, but again taking a full course is slower versus just studying a few pages, doing an official practice test or two, reading some feedback (you claim it's inaccurate, I say it's not because I've recently taken the tests and the forum advice even from years ago was still extremely helpful/spot on). If I want to take a course, I'd rather take StraighterLine course where it's $100, and the work I'm doing gives me credit. Going through Saylor you'll still have to spend dozens t hundreds of hours to complete them but with no guarantee that you'll pass the exam. With Straighterline, at least you can pass even without the final.

More importantly, if TECEP prep materials come out by instantcert.com, they are good, and enough students take exams and give enough feedback to give an idea how the exams are like, then more power to TECEP exams. When that day comes, then I'll gladly endorse TECEP exams 100% (and I'm not against taking TECEP exams in general, sure there are some easy ones here and there - but I'd imagine you'll hit a stumbling block after 1 or 2).

Have you even gone through the Saylor courses? Their time recommendations are too high. It only takes a few hours to go through their courses. You are speaking on things with which you have no experience. I've taken a TECEP; I've completed four Saylor courses.

[KittenMittens]

What about TESC's recommended free study materials? Do you have an excuse for not using those? Do you even have any experience with taking TECEPs? The student feedback comes from the same types of students who make quizlet flashcards!

There's a reason why less people report information about TECEPs here because less people are taking them. UExcels are more popular partly because there are far more students attending Excelsior - and instantcert.com picked up on that. I trust instantcert.com in what they prepare for flash cards than what one student may have done. I think instantcert.com probably goes through several trials and rounds of revising their notes before finalizing it. That's because they have a vested interest in producing quality products with solid student feedback/data otherwise people would look for better resources. Instantcert.com has been very good on providing accurate review information for exams and in particular for any/all the exams I've mentioned beforehand.

Knowing what to expect, and how others fare is extremely valuable information

I briefly looked at some TECEPS (The ones that were covered by instantcert) but feedback was scarce and the few that were there said those exams were very hard (some/all of them are writing not multiple choice). Instantcert.com doesn't even advertise TECEPs, they only advertise CLEPS, DSSTs, and UExcels. I think most students are more comfortable doing a multiple choice exam where you don't need to fully know something and can guess correctly/be familiar with something. Again, I don't care about mastering the subject, I care about getting quickly getting credit at least attempting to get a good/decent GPA.