New follower saying Hello

[cookderosa]

Hi Everyone,

Just wanting to say hello. Trying to get orientated although somewhat confused with how this all works. So any pointers would be great.
So embarrassed to say but i have NO tests completed. And well I just stumbled upon this avenue today. Im reading your wikia page right now! Thank you. Welcome! There is much in the archives to discover! I came here without any tests completed.

Brief background minus hardships I dont want to bore you with. I've been studying Java programming from home for a few weeks now.
I was recently eligible for workforce innovation training which has only specific local schools allowed. And in the process they asked I apply for fafsa...and that came back as eligible now too. And the fafsa doesn't have any limitations to where it can be applied to. So I brushed up on my math and let go of Java programming to be eligible for the WIA schools only to find out Fafsa is approved now...then the school with an associates degree for computer programming doesnt accept my Tabe scores and wanted a different placement test done...so I started preparing for that placement test when I found information about Testing out and TESC which led me here and your fine posts! And well now I havent studied Java in a full week..I am happy with my scores and refreshing in general studies but am thoroughly confused and at wits end with all my changes in directions not to mention cramming. Because with the state and government stuff timing is everything so I rush to try to get enrollment in. For sure there are computer folks here who can help you map out a plan to consider

I have now stopped from prepping for a PERT test at a local college(the associates one I was going to do). Because truth be told employers want to see Bachelors deg and Ive met quite a few HR nazis in my day so your avenue of testing out is definitely under high consideration. It's possible that some classes may be required for any of the degrees you're considering. But, even if they are, they can be done online through the college of your choice and transferred back into TESC. TESC is a prize because you can price-shop, test-shop, etc. and create a "patchwork quilt" of credits as long as they fit the degree you're pursuing.


My fear is that I am back to square one now though since my financial aid can't be applied it seems to attain a degree via this course. You can use aid for any classes, just not exams. If you have to choose between paying cash and loans, always pay cash - an entire exam/course will only cost about $100 and you can cash flow these as you go. If you have a grant, you can use that for the classes portion and any overage can be used for books or exams.

So if you have any ideas of how it could be or a sureshot time saving NO it cant be done...you'd be saving me time and I'll just likely bite the bullet and pay out of pocket. Im no youngster and time is whats important to me right now. I wish I could be getting more Java into my brain right now to get a job. But if I have to ill go this route to be successful and save time in the long run. I called TESC and it seems I could maybe blend, meaning take some actual courses using my financial aid and then pay TCEP tests at my own expense when I want. Im just trying to formulate whats the most ideal method for time and money savings. Marinate in the information here for a few days. There are affordable and fast options for almost every class you need for almost every degree. At this point, just knowing the game and figuring out the rules will be the most important time saver for you. Missteps, repeats, classes that don't count, over-paying, etc can all be avoided once you know a bit more about how it all works. For every week that you obsessively unravel how to make this work - you shave a year off your degree. (my unofficial opinion lol)

Is their anyway or plan you see where I can still use my fafsa this year and not let it go to waste? I am definitely on a budget. So yes testing out is def more attractive to me right now than just settling for an associates. I cant afford to go into debt so avoiding a 50K+ debt is most ideal. A resourceful person can complete a degree at TESC for around $10,000 or less.

Sorry just a little bit info overloaded. Theres not many folks I can talk to about this who won't turn around and tell me im crazy (which i am feeling haha) and just go to regular college or get a certificate. When someone else hasn't found a workaround for a problem, they really can't help you get there. This forum will help you, everyone here started from zero. So I value your opinions since you value this avenue instead. Sometimes there's nothing crazy about the unconventional paths at all. They are actually a lot more sane than people give credit even if a bit rough to start on.

[COLOR="#0000FF"]Though TESC is a great school (2 degrees from them myself) you don't have to use them. You can apply almost everything you learn here to any school in the country. I wouldn't be surprised if your community college accepts 15-45 CLEP credits. The reason people choose TESC (or Excelsior or COSC) is because they accept all regionally accredited transfer credit and all ACE evaluated credit. Most schools have limits/caps. They don't- so if it fits, you can use it. Puts you in the driver's seat. So, this forum attracts DIY types. TESC's phone people will only be marginally helpful (unless they give you wrong information, which happens frequently, and brings me back to my early phrase about avoiding "missteps, repeats, classes that don't count, over-paying, etc." ) so you need to get a good handle on how to work a degree plan without your advisor. Welcome!
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Thank you and Hello.