Which College?: New and Overwhelmed.

[SaebScholar]

I am so thankful for this site, I have been reading through the forums and the wiki. The only issue with reading the forum is that I am ending up seeing snapshots along the length of a few-year timeline with often contradicting information. I would start to put together a plan in my head only to find a thread where such and such college had a major change, making them less optimal.

To avoid asking for an entire Plan all at once without attempting myself to put forth the effort, I will ask simply: For someone with only about 18 random college credits mostly in electives and no degree, which of the Big 3 is t he FASTEST to get a Bachelor's? I don't care what area of study, because ultimately they all seem to be beneficial in my growth as a person in some way, but my main reason for getting the degree is to be able to enroll in programs like JET (teaching English in Japan) where the only requirement is a 4-year degree from an accredited university.

I spent a few years out of high school burning myself out on the idea of college because I wanted my education to define me and lead to my dream career. I am turning 30 in a couple months and I see now that it's just a tool, and that any learning, regardless of subject matter is invaluable. I guess it took 10 years to be mentally ready to take this step, and I thank God for this site and the exam-based options we have.

My next challenge is with my 8 to 5 job, trying to figure out when the best time to take the Exams.:ack:

Thanks for your help, I am looking forward to working more with the insanely knowledgeable people here.

[Mamasaphire]

Welcome! It can be very overwhelming at first!

I'm guessing the BALS from TESU will be fastest if you want to use random credits. The BSBA is also fast for some people. The amazing ability to use alternative credit to earn even UL credits quickly from home is really helpful to most of us

ETA: I don't know if you've done so, but if you post a list of what credits you have, dfrecore is great at helping figure out fastest degree options.

[Mamasaphire]

My next challenge is with my 8 to 5 job, trying to figure out when the best time to take the Exams.:ack:

The good news about most alternative credit (besides CLEP/DSST) is the ability to take the exams when it works best for you, so early in the morning or late at night are usually both valid options.

[AJ_Atlanta]

Welcome! It can be very overwhelming at first!

I'm guessing the BALS from TESU will be fastest if you want to use random credits. The BSBA is also fast for some people. The amazing ability to use alternative credit to earn even UL credits quickly from home is really helpful to most of us

ETA: I don't know if you've done so, but if you post a list of what credits you have, dfrecore is great at helping figure out fastest degree options.

I agree and personally like the BSBA plan for it's easy access to courses and material. Every time I consider the LS I find about a dozen concentrations I would like to spend some time in lol

[SaebScholar]

EDIT: Is there somewhere else I should post these credits for dfrecore to look at? Or is this thread okay?

Awesome replies so far. I am assuming LS is liberal arts? And when you say you are overwhelmed by the concentration, you mean I will have to choose a specific concentration as a major? I'm literally this new at getting an actual degree. I will check out the concentrations. It might work in my favor if I find something that's actually interesting to me, whereas I was just going to go for anything especially avoiding something that was PERFECT FOR ME.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]2048[/ATTACH]

AUD-141 1555 Intermediate Studio Recording - 3
AUD-140 1525 Beg Studio Recording - 3
CSIS-101 5080 Intro Comp/Data Processing - 3
CSIS-202 4156 Networks & Data Communications - 3
ENGL-101 3852 Freshman Composition - 4
MUS-115 4102 Beg Voice Class - Breath/Tone - 2

Full Sail English 101 equivalent - 3
Full Sail ~History of Video Games - 3

[swalke321]

There are many course options that either do not have proctored exams or the exams can be proctored online and do not require a testing center. The online proctored exams can be done 24/7 which can be convenient if your work schedule does not make it easy to get to a CLEP/DSST testing center.
For the general liberal studies degree you can choose just about any gen ed courses such as math, science, humanities, social sciences, etc. TESU does not require any concentrations for the general liberal studies degree. I believe Excelsior is flexible with degree requirements but a little picky when it comes to upper level courses or transferring courses in and is more expensive. COSC also has general study degrees and are also flexible degree wise but require more upper level credits. TESU tends to be more popular on here.

[SaebScholar]

There are many course options that either do not have proctored exams or the exams can be proctored online and do not require a testing center. The online proctored exams can be done 24/7 which can be convenient if your work schedule does not make it easy to get to a CLEP/DSST testing center.

The good news about most alternative credit (besides CLEP/DSST) is the ability to take the exams when it works best for you, so early in the morning or late at night are usually both valid options.

Awesome which "brand" are these?

[swalke321]

Some of the alternative course options that are popular on here are Straighterline, Study.com, and Schmoop. Straighterline and Study.com both require proctored exams online that can be taken anytime. Schmoop does not require proctored exams.

Online College Courses That Fit Into Your Degree Program | StraighterLine

Study.com | Take Online Courses. Earn College Credit. Research Schools, Degrees & Careers

Shmoop: Homework Help, Teacher Resources, Test Prep

[AJ_Atlanta]

Has straighterline gone to recorded exams or do they still require advanced scheduling? I have a hard time going back now that study.com does and also has the quizzes as part of the overall grading (I find the all or nothing approach is disconcerting). Combined with TESU taking a number as UL it's just a really a more attractive option IMHO

[socsci]

JET (teaching English in Japan)

Although you are just starting out on the way to teaching abroad, it might be a good idea to consider beyond programs like JET and what you are going to do after. With a degree and no teaching license you will be able to teach English in many places, but it will be in language schools/ESL setting. While this is fun to travel around and get experience, and a career can be made of it, the jobs often pay quite low and it will take dedication and a masters later to move up in a very crowded field.
There are better opportunities for rewarding careers in international schools but they require teaching licenses and often degrees in subjects, if you want to teach science or math etc. There are also many 2nd and 3rd tier schools around the world that don't have as strict recruiting policies as the big international schools but will still require experience and some education related courses/professional development.
Just something to think about as you start to build courses for your bachelors, including some education related courses and some extra English courses will look good on your transcript and will open up other options in the future if you decide to move away from ESL work.