Alternative Options Weren't Mentioned in High School (now I'm a little mad)

[cookderosa]

So yesterday I Googled something like "CLEP exam experiences." And I came across a homeschool blogger who was getting her children ready to take CLEP tests in their junior and senior years. Because she said as homeschool kids they aren't allowed to take AP exams...Well that didn't turn out to be be true. I went to the AP site to check (because I didn’t think that was fair if homeschoolers were excluded). Anyone can take AP tests and no actual AP class required.

As high school students we should have been told. Your school doesn't offer AP Art History? No problem. Take regular Art History (or whatever class), then check out AP study materials from the school's media center, study, then challenge the exam. There about 30 AP exams. So much potential credit that wasn't promoted.

Nothing like CLEP was ever mentioned either. I learned about CLEP from reading my community colleges catalog...one tiny little section telling you to go online to see which CLEP tests/scores are accepted. I start googling and discover this whole world of exams by credit.

Nobody said anything about picking up credits from places like UNC Friday Center. Those credits would transfer anywhere in-state. Motivated students could be picking up credits over the summer. I learned about the Friday center from this site. Course List - The William and Ida Friday Center for Continuing Education

People might think "you should have done your own research. " But I didn't even what was out there to research. I had no idea until recently you could even earn credit by exam. Alternative and cheaper options just aren't promoted like the traditional path. We have college fairs and college visit days that teach us all about traditional university life. Nobody could spare some time to mention test out options or correspondence courses that are for anyone or the accelerated college options?

Welcome to the awakening.
Yes. All of what you said: yes.

Here's the thing, and it's exceptionally important to understand early: there are no educational advocates. None. There is no one, not your high school teacher, not your high school guidance counselor, not your financial aid advisors, not admissions (sales) reps, not colleges, no one. It's all on you.

After you digest the fact, get angry, and then get going. You can finish your degree in under 2 years. Let's get rolling!