Online Degrees and CLEP and DSST Exam Prep Discussion
Problems Convincing Family? - Printable Version

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Problems Convincing Family? - Mhamilton5 - 05-25-2012

I cannot be alone here. Has anyone else here had a hard time explaining CBE to family and loved ones?

I figured it wouldn't be easy, but I didn't think it would be this hard to explain. Obviously, my wife and family are a big part of the decisions I make. That is why Ive spent hours on here and other sites getting ever bit of information I could to support my plan. I even started a Powerpoint to break it down. While I will do what is best for me and my kids, my wife and father in-law(who is my bankroll), are still skeptical of how the degree they paid a ton for, worked so hard at, and spend so much to achieve, could be as cut and dry as this.

That all being said, can anyone help me out here? I have having provided the facts, but am looking for some unique methods that others have maybe used or seen. Anyone else ever seen a PowerPoint, perhaps someone well known and successful giving a testimonial or condoning CLEP?

I am honestly ashamed to reach out like this, but I've always been told there is no such thing as a stupid question.

Please help Smile


Problems Convincing Family? - rebel100 - 05-25-2012

I like Josh Kaufman's approach: Hacking Higher Education, Part 1 - CLEP

I also found a curious knod to the Big 3 on the International Association of Emergency Managers website. These guys endorse the concept including FEMA credit yet their credential, the CEM, is an industry standard. A very strong endoresment in my field: EducationPart2

How about the fact that even Harvard University (at the extension school) accepts some clep Transfer Credit: Undergraduate Degrees You can find this example at many schools.

Here is the link to the exams accepted at the University of Florida as an example: https://catalog.ufl.edu/ugrad/current/advising/info/CLEP-examination-credit-info.aspx How about you google your in-laws school and clep together and see what you come up with.

I would also point out that the providers of CLEP, the College Board, is the same outfit that brings us the delights of the SAT exam....everyone's heard of that and it seems to lend an odd legitimacy in the mind of a doubter....sometimes. Smile

The best way to convince everyone is simply to succeed.

Best,
Reb


Problems Convincing Family? - Mhamilton5 - 05-26-2012

Brilliant Reb!!! This material is perfect and exactly what I was hoping for. The Personal MBA is awesome, it also branches out to much more useful information.

I look forward to more, even if it isn't to sway anyones ignorance its fuel for the fire. The more I visit this site, the more confident I become about my future. In the 2 short weeks since I was referred to this world my whole mindset has changed.

Thanks to everyone here for participating. Knowledge is def power and there is no shortage of knowledge in this community.

Mike


Problems Convincing Family? - Jonathan Whatley - 05-26-2012

rebel100 Wrote:I would also point out that the providers of CLEP, the College Board, is the same outfit that brings us the delights of the SAT exam....everyone's heard of that and it seems to lend an odd legitimacy in the mind of a doubter....sometimes. Smile
And they're a non-profit consortium of colleges, schools, etc. And they're also the people behind the Advanced Placement (AP) exams. A high school student who earns a stack of credit through AP exams is an academic star and their credit will be recognized at almost any school.

CLEP is the sister program to the AP tests, offered in the community to adult learners.

Meanwhile, the D in DSST was originally for the Defence Department; it was a successful program to offer credits to military personnel that was successfully opened up and privatized and are now offered by Prometric, who also do test administration for the MCAT, CPA and U.S. patent agent exams and others.

Major motion picture about Advanced Placement tests.

Bonus: Hit song about "grabbing credits, maybe transfers." ...Admittedly, the singer would rather gaze at his navel and kind of look down on the credit-grabbers. But he's not getting any credits for that, is he. :p


Problems Convincing Family? - MomOfMany - 05-26-2012

I don't know how old you are, but I have found a huge wall in this regard for older people is they still have a very old school primitive prejudice for brick and mortar schooling always being far above better than online or whatever. And to be fair, 30 years ago they would have probably been right to be highly sceptical.

I would approach it from what is finishing a class supposed to mean? It supposed to mean that you gained that segment of knowledge - right? These exams are nothing more than a test to see if you already have that knowledge. Some people will have gained lots of knowledge towards their degree and have more tests to show for it. Some won't either because they don't have that knowledge or didn't bother to learn about alternative methods of getting credit for it.

I'd also know tech and regulation of these places and options has improved tremendously. So much so that almost every school, including Harvard and other ivies, have some programs entirely by portfolio and online assessment/class.

Next I would show what degree you are Planning and the reputation of that degree field for that university.


Problems Convincing Family? - clep3705 - 05-26-2012

Start with a simple message. State that CLEP and DSST exams are essentially proctored college course final exams. Clarify that the exams include multiple choice, fill in the blank, and essay sections, depending on the subject matter. You aren't buying credits, you are paying for a final exam to be administered to you. You still have to know the material.

When I was a student at a nationally ranked top academic university, the final exam administered in freshman inorganic chemistry was the CLEP chemistry exam. How our students and students at other universities did on the CLEP was used to set the passing score for the CLEP exam nationally.


Problems Convincing Family? - Mhamilton5 - 06-08-2012

Just a quick update... With all of the feedback and time spent researching, I have a full support system behind me. I am signed up to test in 2 weeks and could not be more excited about the key to my success. Thank you all again for reaching out to me.


Problems Convincing Family? - HorseManiac - 06-09-2012

Mhamilton5 Wrote:Just a quick update... With all of the feedback and time spent researching, I have a full support system behind me. I am signed up to test in 2 weeks and could not be more excited about the key to my success. Thank you all again for reaching out to me.

That's great news!! Good luck with your upcoming tests!