Please don't judge me!

[rebel100]

I just applied for FAFSA, so I would hope it wouldn't be an issue for me, either way. It states I should be eligible for $5,500 PELL. That seems like it would cover a vast majority of my TESC costs, if I am correct.

Just to be sure you realize, PELL and Federal Subsidized loans will only kick in if your taking actual classes. They will not cover testing out. To receive the full award, to receive any award, you will need actual classes. The testing out option doesn't lend itself to contemporary financial aid models. There are ways , perhaps, of making it work. But to my knowledge the Government will not subsidize testing out options. When most folks say they have "tested out" they are also usually stating they paid for it themselves.