Learning Counts/PLA update

[Gooberman11]

I guess I'm not understanding why some are saying the price is no longer competitive???
My CLEP's and DSST's cost $120 for 3 credits. It seems $125 for 3 UL credits is reasonable especially if it allows one to use prior experience (or at least something of interest).

Am I missing something?

[sanantone]

I guess I'm not understanding why some are saying the price is no longer competitive???
My CLEP's and DSST's cost $120 for 3 credits. It seems $125 for 3 UL credits is reasonable especially if it allows one to use prior experience (or at least something of interest).

Am I missing something?

If there were a test, I'd rather just take the test for $100 instead of writing several pages and having to document proof of my learning. I have never had to pay $120 for a test. Most testing centers charge around $20. If you can test at Devry, it's free. Plus, you have to either take the do-it-yourself course for $149 or the instructor-led course for $895. And, the 6-week instructor-led course is only offered every 3 or 4 weeks. If you can't test out of the courses, then I guess LearningCounts would be worth it. The do-it-yourself course is cheaper than paying TESC $687 for their introductory courses. I don't think a TESC student in their right mind would pay $895 for that instructor-led course. If you're receiving financial aid, it wouldn't make any sense to use LearningCounts. Financial aid would cover the PLA courses, and the portfolio review fee is only $350 for the first 12 credits. 12 credits through LearningCounts would be $500 not including the introductory course fees.
LearningCounts | Time and Cost | Experiential Learning
LearningCounts | Available Courses | College Credit for Experience

[sanantone]

This is so interesting. We have been trying to figure out if it is possible to use my sister's experience in equine science toward her degree. I haven't looked into TESC's database yet, but I have found upper level equine science courses at a couple of other colleges.
Do you think it would be possible to PLA some UL Equine Science courses and just use them as her UL area of study for a Liberal Studies degree?
I'd love to hear anyone's opinion...

For the liberal studies degree, there are plenty of UL tests. Her first PLA at LearningCounts will cost a minimum of $274 because she has to take one of their introductory courses.

[Gooberman11]

I know! My testing center costs more than most, but it is close so that has been the most economical time, traffic, and cost-wise. Oh well!

No doubt for me the testing out has been the best option. My sister has a big interest in equine sciences and TONS of experience in the field (plus doesn't enjoy testing out) so this could be a good option for her for at least some of her upper level. She will still be testing out of many subjects, but there is something to be said for doing what you love and getting credit for it (even if it is a little more work). She would argue that pretty much ANYTHING is better that studying for a big history test! Go figure--I love history so bring on the tests!!!

Thanks for your insight Sanatone, I truly appreciate all the help this forum offers.

[FallingWaters]

Honestly, after completing the PLA, I don't understand the complete negativity. Of course it's easier for most people to take a Intro to Psych CLEP than to PLA it. But if a person 1) can't test out of a subject, which was my situation, or 2) hates testing and might enjoy the PLA process, as your sister might, then what's the harm in trying? Plus, I don't believe there are UL equine science tests The costs are certainly not prohibitive and still far less than the traditional path.

[sanantone]

Honestly, after completing the PLA, I don't understand the complete negativity. Of course it's easier for most people to take a Intro to Psych CLEP than to PLA it. But if a person 1) can't test out of a subject, which was my situation, or 2) hates testing and might enjoy the PLA process, as your sister might, then what's the harm in trying? Plus, I don't believe there are UL equine science tests The costs are certainly not prohibitive and still far less than the traditional path.

The question was whether or not the cost is competitive. It is not if you're going to compare it to CBEs.

I'll add that I don't understand the point of going all out for a liberal studies degree. If you're going to do all of that, you might as well get a degree in something more marketable like natural science/mathematics. If someone is so turned off by social science and humanities subjects, then why go for a liberal studies degree in the first place? Also, PLAs aren't meant to teach you anything new, so there's not the fun of taking a course or studying for a subject of interest and learning a lot of new things. You're just expounding on what you already know. You can certainly study up for PLAs, but the sister already has a ton of experience in the field.

[sanantone]

I advise that the sister verify that animal science-type courses are acceptable for the degree. They are ANS instead of BIO.

[Mian]

I still call that competitive financially, not to mention the time factor. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the two necessary PLA courses at TESC are each a month-long. The self-guided course at LC took about an hour.

Does the self guided course have a time limit? That is, once you take it, do you only have a certain time in which to finish the PLAs you want to do or can you come back later and do another one?

[FallingWaters]

From their site: You must submit your first portfolio within six months of enrolling the course - See more at: LearningCounts | Available Courses | College Credit for Experience

Edited to say: You must submit your *first* one within six months. There is no time limit after that.. I asked.

[Mian]

Thanks, I appreciate all your help.

(nevermind that last. I see what you mean about the site being confusing and unhelpful)