Overwhelmed Newbie! Where to start?

[bjcheung77]

Thank you!  I've pored over your resources and it's all been super helpful.  Are all the free resources listed here up-to-date and applicable to BALS at TESU?  I am leaning toward the Liberal Arts degree right now.  

Also, what would you say the main differences are between CLEP testing vs. online testing?  I live close to several testing centers so it wouldn't be an issue getting to them.  Ideally I want to test out of as much as possible (as testing is my strength) and avoid coursework through all this.

And would you say I should sign up for ACE and begin banking credits right away or can that wait?

Yes, the FREE courses are perfect for the BALS. I would not wait to bank them, do one course, bank it and repeat. This is for record keeping purposes and in case the provider goes under or disappears, your credits won't go with them.

In regards to testing center vs online testing, you should decide for yourself. It's a mix of cheap/easy/fast and value. Please read my signature post #16, #27/28. I did the online testing option for slightly more cost, but it was much much easier/faster as I live 1.5 hours away from a test center and if I worked for that time frame, it would have paid for the online course...

I did StraighterLine for the bulk of my credits (LL, Lower Level) and Study.com for my (UL, Upper Level). CLEPS are all lower level, it may be FREE but you need to spend time reviewing/studying and the exam is a pass/fail. SL/Study.com, the exam is only a portion of the grade, the quizzes/exams and assignments make up a larger portion which means, easier pass.