CLEP vs AP

[cookderosa]

AP is worth "something" at 3200 colleges vs CLEP worth credit at 2900. The distinction is only important if you're using it for a filter - meaning to absolutely keep your options WIDE OPEN and not exclude yourself from anything. In other words, if a college doesn't accept CLEP but accepts AP, then AP by default becomes the brand you need - nevermind which one you'd rather take.

Of your 3200, there isn't going to be a "yes credit / no credit" policy. AP costs just under $100, and those scores don't come easy - many colleges want 4s or 5s now, not just 3s, so getting that benchmark score matters not only for the 3200 schools, but you'll have to look deeper and see if your teen can even hit the score they are asking for - are they good test takers and smart enough? That's not a critique, I'm being serious. All AP exams are written, whereas CLEP is mouse point and click, yet for a student attending a school that accepts both - the credit will be identical. A flagship university and a private university will usually want the highest scores, but you can look this up in advance. So, shelling out $100 bills for 3's won't work at every school. And if you can get the SAME credit using CLEP for free, that's much smarter (and faster).

Of the 3200 they also don't all award "credit" since many will only award "advanced standing" or accept it for placement. The issue here is that you've not shaved any cost or time off the degree- you still need 120 credits to graduate. You've paid $ and done the work but not rewarded by saving tuition.

Fail an AP and it's on your teen's record - CLEP failures are confidential.

AP exams are not only offered 1/ year, but the time slots will conflict - so in addition to making sure you can sit the scheduled time, you REALLY want to make sure you're not taking classes / prep for exams offered at the same time on the same day. There is no way to avoid it- you have to pick.

Beyond that- AP is considered more foo-foo because elite schools that don't accept CLEP will often accept AP. There are essentially 300 colleges in this country that accept AP (for credit or advanced placement) that don't accept CLEP. If you're aiming for those, then it's no question. If 2900 colleges are enough of a pool for you to choose from, you can rack up substantial amounts of credit for $0 and without repercussions for failed attempts. In my opinion, it's an easy decision. Pick a college and then go full speed ahead in whichever exam helps you get your kid OUT of college.