Most cost effective way to use Study.com?

[FungiTao]

Almost finished my Sophia credits and now moving to Study.com next month.

I remember seeing a strategy on utilizing Study.com where you pay for the basic membership without the proctored exam, and once finished, you switch to the college-credit membership and take the exam. Supposedly you get refunded for the remaining part of the basic membership that you didn't use? Does anyone have any experience with this? 

If the above is correct, would it be advisable to first do all the quizzes and obtain the knowledge, and then take the proctored exams when you're ready? (I'm aware of the 2 free proctored exams rule)

Thanks!

[Jonathan Whatley]

You can't take quizzes on Basic ($29.99/mo), though you can view video and written lessons. You can take quizzes and practice exams and view assignments on Premium ($59.99/mo), and your quiz progress will indeed be retained when you switch to College Saver ($235/mo). With College Saver you become eligible to take proctored exams, submit assignments, and receive college credit recommendations.

I do not have experience with refunds or credits for an unused part of a month on a lower level, but if it would help you it would be worth asking a customer service rep on Study.com about.

[origamishuttle]

It depends on your strategy. If you're going to complete five courses in the first month, or at least two courses every month for three months, and you can use a three-month discount code to sign up, then you'll save money by going directly to the College Saver subscription. If you will complete one course every month or so, then Premium is a good way to save progress until you get to five courses, then complete them all in a month on College Saver.

[bjcheung77]

Cost is always a concern, that's when you need to do your calculations and need to know your number of classes you will take from Study.com for your particular degree, the TESU BACS as per your previous thread. Here's an example of a calculation if you need 6 classes...

Premium Price (was $69.99, now $59.99/month)
1 month of $60
2 months of College Saver $164.50 x 2 = $329
2 extra exams at $70 each = $140
Total = $529

College Saver - 2 exams/month, total of 6 exams
$164.50 x 3 months = $493.5

Same 3 months, different strategy, I would always choose skipping the Premium and go straight towards the 30% off if you have more than 5 classes you need at Study.com, otherwise, you need to re-calculate your options. If there is no 30% off, then it's a different story!