Dual Credit at Home: How to Pray for Your Children Printable

[MNomadic]

I'll send a binder and email you a paper that states, "use speedy prep and instacert," and only charge $500!

[sanantone]

I'm very familiar with Becky Maldrow's company.  She is at all the homeschool conventions demonstrating how her son (COSC) went to law school and is assistant attorney general.  She and I were also co-moderators of a homeschool CLEP group for a while.  It's cool - but she's selling a binder that has a schedule in it for you to follow which CLEPs to take for your gen eds at Charter Oak.  (Week 15, read chapter 6).  The fly in the ointment, in my opinion, is that everything she's saying is true.  CLEP for gen eds- great idea.  Study along high school - fine, no problem.  Attend Charter Oak - ehhh not everyone, but I get the idea, most kids are fine with a distance learning degree in something general.  None of that is untrue, and just that advice alone is very good and can help people save a lot of money (even if they don't use COSC).  I don't even have a problem with her selling her binder - knock yourself out.  I'm a capitalist.  
My problem is that while true, it's also a big fat jar of snake oil.  Like any good snake oil salesman, there is always truth under the hype.  In this case, if you later decide your kid doesn't want to go to COSC,  you've sacrificed their ENTIRE high school education and you can't get that time back.  That's a pretty big ask, to trust her as knowing best for your kid- and assuming its what was best for her kid.  Homeschool parents don't need a product that makes them feel stupid, they need a product to make them smart - they'll be able to figure it out with a little patience.  Hers replaces the parent as the homeschool guidance counselor, a specific pet peeve of mine, and places her in the position of authority in the home.

Are you saying that she's selling a binder for $1096?

That is exactly the program.  It arrives blank and she sends you pdfs for you to print at home each week to follow the schedule (the technical class terminology for this is "drip" she drips the content to you according to her program's structure.)   The schedule uses Speedyprep and Instantcert (memberships not included in her price).  That's it- nothing else.  The plan takes you through 60 CLEP credits, the gen eds for Charter Oak.  
I don't know what she does about the lab science requirement, but a person using COSC has to figure that in at some point, so that's probably on your own.

EDIT to add:  when she and I were both mods of a group (it had many mods- it wasn't one of my groups) I knew of her business BECAUSE when parents asked questions, she never answered them except in the most vague way, and then would share either her website or promote her method.  It's hard to know if someone knows something when they say nothing, so maybe she's uber smart at CLEP prep, I don't know- but you won't know either (unless you send her $1000.)

When I read study plans for 13 CLEP/DSST, I assumed she was compiling study materials at the very least. She's not even doing that. She's just recommending SpeedyPrep and Instantcert. It sounds like she's selling basic lesson plans, and I'm surprised she only "guides" customers through 13 tests for $1100. Why is she only doing gen eds? Do her customers know who you are? Have they read your book? I don't understand how she's staying in business.

---

I downloaded some of her free materials, which included a sample lesson plan. She's basically giving people a schedule to follow.

During weeks 1-3, study for the Government CLEP.
Read Ch. 7 of this book on day one.
Go through lessons 1-2 on SpeedyPrep on day two.
Go through the first set of Instantcert flashcards on day three.

Her prayer advice is nothing but a compilation of some Bible quotes. I guess she's doing what she has to do to take care of her 10 kids, but she better pray that she doesn't get sent to hell.

[cookderosa]

I'm very familiar with Becky Maldrow's company.  She is at all the homeschool conventions demonstrating how her son (COSC) went to law school and is assistant attorney general.  She and I were also co-moderators of a homeschool CLEP group for a while.  It's cool - but she's selling a binder that has a schedule in it for you to follow which CLEPs to take for your gen eds at Charter Oak.  (Week 15, read chapter 6).  The fly in the ointment, in my opinion, is that everything she's saying is true.  CLEP for gen eds- great idea.  Study along high school - fine, no problem.  Attend Charter Oak - ehhh not everyone, but I get the idea, most kids are fine with a distance learning degree in something general.  None of that is untrue, and just that advice alone is very good and can help people save a lot of money (even if they don't use COSC).  I don't even have a problem with her selling her binder - knock yourself out.  I'm a capitalist.  
My problem is that while true, it's also a big fat jar of snake oil.  Like any good snake oil salesman, there is always truth under the hype.  In this case, if you later decide your kid doesn't want to go to COSC,  you've sacrificed their ENTIRE high school education and you can't get that time back.  That's a pretty big ask, to trust her as knowing best for your kid- and assuming its what was best for her kid.  Homeschool parents don't need a product that makes them feel stupid, they need a product to make them smart - they'll be able to figure it out with a little patience.  Hers replaces the parent as the homeschool guidance counselor, a specific pet peeve of mine, and places her in the position of authority in the home.

Are you saying that she's selling a binder for $1096?

That is exactly the program.  It arrives blank and she sends you pdfs for you to print at home each week to follow the schedule (the technical class terminology for this is "drip" she drips the content to you according to her program's structure.)   The schedule uses Speedyprep and Instantcert (memberships not included in her price).  That's it- nothing else.  The plan takes you through 60 CLEP credits, the gen eds for Charter Oak.  
I don't know what she does about the lab science requirement, but a person using COSC has to figure that in at some point, so that's probably on your own.

EDIT to add:  when she and I were both mods of a group (it had many mods- it wasn't one of my groups) I knew of her business BECAUSE when parents asked questions, she never answered them except in the most vague way, and then would share either her website or promote her method.  It's hard to know if someone knows something when they say nothing, so maybe she's uber smart at CLEP prep, I don't know- but you won't know either (unless you send her $1000.)

When I read study plans for 13 CLEP/DSST, I assumed she was compiling study materials at the very least. She's not even doing that. She's just recommending SpeedyPrep and Instantcert. It sounds like she's selling basic lesson plans, and I'm surprised she only "guides" customers through 13 tests for $1100. Why is she only doing gen eds? Do her customers know who you are? Have they read your book? I don't understand how she's staying in business.

---

I downloaded some of her free materials, which included a sample lesson plan. She's basically giving people a schedule to follow.

During weeks 1-3, study for the Government CLEP.
Read Ch. 7 of this book on day one.
Go through lessons 1-2 on SpeedyPrep on day two.
Go through the first set of Instantcert flashcards on day three.

Her prayer advice is nothing but a compilation of some Bible quotes. I guess she's doing what she has to do to take care of her 10 kids, but she better pray that she doesn't get sent to hell.

I have no idea what she knows about me, but 100% of what is written in my book is to teach the parent the basic structure of how to inject college credit into their homeschool, not to do it FOR THEM or do it better than them. So really, I'm not her competition because I don't sell a program and I'm not a consultant. My FB page has about 13,000 followers and I have 14,500 followers on my blog. I have 50 FB groups - and 40 volunteers who moderate those groups - all of that is free help.
Some of my moderators are even members here- because this model is my favorite and this is the BEST place to be. This is the ultimate in peer review. It's the perfect feedback loop for keeping up to date, and I am completely serious about *my* motivation to help others in this area comes from how grateful I am that I was helped by members here. It's really that simple.

I'm not a salesman, and people can spend their money on what they want- but when asked for MY opinion, I am happy to give my two cents lol. I believe parents can figure this out as long as someone takes the time to get them aimed in the right direction.

[sanantone]

I'm very familiar with Becky Maldrow's company.  She is at all the homeschool conventions demonstrating how her son (COSC) went to law school and is assistant attorney general.  She and I were also co-moderators of a homeschool CLEP group for a while.  It's cool - but she's selling a binder that has a schedule in it for you to follow which CLEPs to take for your gen eds at Charter Oak.  (Week 15, read chapter 6).  The fly in the ointment, in my opinion, is that everything she's saying is true.  CLEP for gen eds- great idea.  Study along high school - fine, no problem.  Attend Charter Oak - ehhh not everyone, but I get the idea, most kids are fine with a distance learning degree in something general.  None of that is untrue, and just that advice alone is very good and can help people save a lot of money (even if they don't use COSC).  I don't even have a problem with her selling her binder - knock yourself out.  I'm a capitalist.  
My problem is that while true, it's also a big fat jar of snake oil.  Like any good snake oil salesman, there is always truth under the hype.  In this case, if you later decide your kid doesn't want to go to COSC,  you've sacrificed their ENTIRE high school education and you can't get that time back.  That's a pretty big ask, to trust her as knowing best for your kid- and assuming its what was best for her kid.  Homeschool parents don't need a product that makes them feel stupid, they need a product to make them smart - they'll be able to figure it out with a little patience.  Hers replaces the parent as the homeschool guidance counselor, a specific pet peeve of mine, and places her in the position of authority in the home.

Are you saying that she's selling a binder for $1096?

That is exactly the program.  It arrives blank and she sends you pdfs for you to print at home each week to follow the schedule (the technical class terminology for this is "drip" she drips the content to you according to her program's structure.)   The schedule uses Speedyprep and Instantcert (memberships not included in her price).  That's it- nothing else.  The plan takes you through 60 CLEP credits, the gen eds for Charter Oak.  
I don't know what she does about the lab science requirement, but a person using COSC has to figure that in at some point, so that's probably on your own.

EDIT to add:  when she and I were both mods of a group (it had many mods- it wasn't one of my groups) I knew of her business BECAUSE when parents asked questions, she never answered them except in the most vague way, and then would share either her website or promote her method.  It's hard to know if someone knows something when they say nothing, so maybe she's uber smart at CLEP prep, I don't know- but you won't know either (unless you send her $1000.)

When I read study plans for 13 CLEP/DSST, I assumed she was compiling study materials at the very least. She's not even doing that. She's just recommending SpeedyPrep and Instantcert. It sounds like she's selling basic lesson plans, and I'm surprised she only "guides" customers through 13 tests for $1100. Why is she only doing gen eds? Do her customers know who you are? Have they read your book? I don't understand how she's staying in business.

---

I downloaded some of her free materials, which included a sample lesson plan. She's basically giving people a schedule to follow.

During weeks 1-3, study for the Government CLEP.
Read Ch. 7 of this book on day one.
Go through lessons 1-2 on SpeedyPrep on day two.
Go through the first set of Instantcert flashcards on day three.

Her prayer advice is nothing but a compilation of some Bible quotes. I guess she's doing what she has to do to take care of her 10 kids, but she better pray that she doesn't get sent to hell.

I have no idea what she knows about me, but 100% of what is written in my book is to teach the parent the basic structure of how to inject college credit into their homeschool, not to do it FOR THEM or do it better than them.  So really, I'm not her competition because I don't sell a program and I'm not a consultant.  My FB page has about 13,000 followers and I have 14,500 followers on my blog.  I have 50 FB groups - and 40 volunteers who moderate those groups - all of that is free help.  
Some of my moderators are even members here- because this model is my favorite and this is the BEST place to be.  This is the ultimate in peer review. It's the perfect feedback loop for keeping up to date, and I am completely serious about *my* motivation to help others in this area comes from how grateful I am that I was helped by members here.  It's really that simple.

I'm not a salesman, and people can spend their money on what they want- but when asked for MY opinion, I am happy to give my two cents lol.  I believe parents can figure this out as long as someone takes the time to get them aimed in the right direction.

I was just wondering if there was an overlap in audience. If parents had read your book, they probably wouldn't feel the need to spend $1100 on a guide to complete 13 exams. I'm all for promoting free and low-cost alternatives so that people aren't scammed by predatory companies charging an arm and a leg for almost nothing. I agree that people should be empowered with the knowledge to do things themselves.

[AaressLawless]

@eriehiker and @sanantone: I work with Dual Credit at Home and thanks for taking time to share and comment on our prayer card printable. These Scripture verses have been ones that Becky's prayed over her kids for the last few decades and we want it to be an encouragement.

@cookderosa Jennifer, thanks for sharing your thoughts on Dual Credit at Home. I've come across your blog a few times online and I appreciate your investment in the online community. Someone asked me just this week about how your book compared to Dual Credit at Home. I told them I wasn't able to comment on how it compares, as I wasn't familiar with its contents, but if you would like to send me a copy of it, I'd be happy to read it and be able to give the next questioner a more conclusive recommendation.


Our Study Plans are based off the plans that Becky originally created for her son Adam. Adam did graduate from law school, but he's not an assistant attorney general. He spent some years as an assistant district attorney, before going into private practice. Since then, many of Becky's other kids and hundreds of other teens have used our Study Plans to earn college credit.

I'll echo Becky who says this frequently, you don't need to buy Dual Credit at Home to succeed at credit by exam. Our free workshops explain the steps. Many of you in this thread are an excellent testament of the fact that you can succeed at credit by exam on your own. I commend you for the hours of research, self-teaching, and investment that you've put into it. But not all families have the time, patience, or desire to figure out all this on their own. It's for those families that Dual Credit at Home was born. Some families succeed completely on their own. Some families thrive with a book, as I think you know, Jennifer from your own book. But some other families want a step-by-step, written plan to follow. Our desire isn't to replace the parent's authority, but to come alongside of them and give their family options.

Also, our program is more than just a binder for $1096. I recommend anyone who's curious to check out our product page (https://dualcreditathome.com/pricing/) and you'll discover that it's 49 weeks of Study Plans that guide students each day through 13 CLEP & DSST exams, 49 weeks of Extra Mile Assignments, unlimited use by all family members, email, live chat, and private Facebook group support, plus our College Degree Roadmap video course.

If any of you would like to learn more and talk further, we would welcome that conversation. Head over to our website and leave us a message, or send them to us at info@dualcreditathome.com. I'd be happy to walk you through what the program involves or share with you some of the awesome success stories we're thrilled to hear from our families.

[sanantone]

They always find us. At least Jay Cross kinda sorta helped you plan a whole degree for $500. I'm going to bed.

[jsd]

In trying to defend themselves they still sneak in a demand to get free content from Jennifer, something she worked harder on and provides for cheaper than Dual Credit.

Never stop grifting, I suppose.

[dfrecore]

Wow. I'm not sure what to say. Some people are just bold and brazen. Kudos for getting on here and putting it out there. I wish I had that kind of gumption...but again, conscience. I need to get rid of that darn thing!

[sanantone]

In trying to defend themselves they still sneak in a demand to get free content from Jennifer, something she worked harder on and provides for cheaper than Dual Credit.

Never stop grifting, I suppose.

They reprint the same materials for $1100. I'm sure they can afford $18 for Jennifer's book.

[davewill]

... Why is she only doing gen eds? Do her customers know who you are? Have they read your book? I don't understand how she's staying in business. ...

I can think of two reasons. The first being that getting all of the GenEds done is actually a pretty good outcome for a high schooler. The second being that she would have to keep track of a LOT more degree and transfer info and branch out from CLEP to support multiple degree subjects. That would be real work.

This is pricy, but if she keeps it up to date and answers questions (big IF), I could see it being worth it to someone who's overwhelmed and nervous about making mistakes. I hope she's up front with people about the limitations of relying on CLEP alone (you can't just assume any particular school will accept them all), and mentions other paths like dual enrollment.

I also hope the parents don't think that cramming for a test is a valid substitute for actually studying the material and practicing it. It's one thing for adults on here to do that, but a kid might not realize what they don't know.