So just how bad IS Saylor?

[raekwon]

My timeline for beginning my WGU BSCSIA degree got pushed back by a month or two (due to a new job--good problem to have), so I'm having to make some adjustments to my transfer-in plan. I'm actually looking at the few Saylor courses that would transfer in for classes I need and am considering giving them a try just to save some money and maybe some time. However, I know their reputation around these parts, so I figure I'd ask about them in general and about the specific courses in question, being...

• PHIL102: Critical Thinking
  
• ENGL210: Technical Writing
  
• MA121: Introduction to Statistics OR BUS204: Business Statistics
  

So, what makes them so bad? Generally or specifically to the above courses (if anyone knows).

[path_seeker]

They have 100% weightage in the final exam which makes them very harder to complete. Also, they are not open book. They are good only if you actually wants to learn the subject but not for completing the degree.

[carrythenothing]

I don't have experience with those specific courses, but I've completed Saylor Academy courses mostly as challenge exams (i.e., not by going through the entire course).

The credit recommendation for Introduction to Statistics expires at the end of this month, but it could be renewed again (it was in 2019). The others won't expire for another few months.

Technical Writing is supposed to be aligned with the TECEP exam at TESU: https://www.tesu.edu/degree-completion/o...rse-option

[Vle045]

I have done the certificates on Saylor but haven’t tried the tests for credit. I do have my eyes on a few of them…. Especially for the price. The way I look at it is… if I pass, then I have some cheap credits. If not, then maybe it will serve as a study tool so that if/when I have to take the course elsewhere, i will have some more familiarity with the subject.

[poly]

"The credit recommendation for Introduction to Statistics expires at the end of this month, but it could be renewed again (it was in 2019). The others won't expire for another few months."

The question that arises here is that if one completes ACE approved credit (Saylor, or Sophia for that matter) before the expiry date, would they still be valid and transferable ?
I understand that it may depend on an institution's policy, but could someone clarify if they've successfully transferred expired Saylor ACE credit.

[carrythenothing]

"The credit recommendation for Introduction to Statistics expires at the end of this month, but it could be renewed again (it was in 2019). The others won't expire for another few months."

The question that arises here is that if one completes ACE approved credit (Saylor, or Sophia for that matter) before the expiry date, would they still be valid and transferable ?
I understand that it may depend on an institution's policy, but could someone clarify if they've successfully transferred expired Saylor ACE credit.

As long as you completed the course while it had an active ACE recommendation, it would be valid.

[LevelUP]

Saylor is mucho harder than CLEPs.

For CLEP's the passing scoring isn't 70%, it's closer to 50%.

I have passed CLEPs easy scoring a scaled score in the 60's and then taken a practice test on Saylor on the same subject and failed scoring in the mid 60's.

[gams007]

Saylor is mucho harder than CLEPs.

For CLEP's the passing scoring isn't 70%, it's closer to 50%.

I have passed CLEPs easy scoring a scaled score in the 60's and then taken a practice test on Saylor on the same subject and failed scoring in the mid 60's.

I was thinking to take Calculus from Saylor and its is very hard to pass you need to master the subject to score a 70.
One thing is that you study a lot and at the end in a couple on months you forget the stuff, you need to keep reviewing it constantly or be working in that area to maintain that knowledge.
Im studying computer science and I see that a Bachelor degree has nonsense courses like History, Politics, psychology, sociology, a bunch of stuff I don't need for a Computer Career in Latin America they focus straight to your career path this is a waste of time and money.

[LevelUP]

1. I was thinking to take Calculus from Saylor and its is very hard to pass you need to master the subject to score a 70.
Take this course at SL. Refer to my hat if you have any questions about my recommendation.

2. One thing is that you study a lot and at the end in a couple on months you forget the stuff, you need to keep reviewing it constantly or be working in that area to maintain that knowledge.
That's called the forgetting curve. Note you never really forget things, you just can't retrieve your stored memory after a period of time of inactive use.

3. Im studying computer science and I see that a Bachelor degree has none sence courses like History, Politics, psychology, sociology, a bunch of stuff I don't need for a Computer Career in Latin America they focus straight to your career path this is a waste of time and money.

Not easy to explain but it's not all nonsense. In your career at some point there are going to be questions like "why people do the things they do", and "how do I communciate with people better." These questions can't be solved on pure analytical ability alone.

[bjcheung77]

Saylor courses and exams aren't really that great or bad, they're similar to TECEPS as you really need to know the material because it's all on that one exam to get a pass. If you know the material, it won't be an issue at all, depending on your degree requirements, this is a great option to get credits on the cheap...

You can use the material they provide you for a quick review or relearn somethings that you aren't too familiar with... I like the fact they have the practice final exam to "gauge" where you're at to see if you're prepared or not. I would take them for credit for courses not offered elsewhere for alternative credit.