PhD after getting a degree with many ACE/NCCRS/Sophia credits

[ashkir]

To be completely honest, I wasn't even aware that there were PhD programs that allowed you to enter immediately after a bachelors.

Actually that is the norm for fully-funded PhDs. You typically have to be a shining star in your BA. But your PhD will be fully funded 5 years. The first 3 years is basically the Master's. The 2nd two years is your doctorate. This is why so many people "Master out" instead of finishing their doctorate.

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I’ve just completed my TESU degree thanks to degree forum(you guys!). I finished a 6 class term by the skin of my teeth. 

Looking at grad school: I know it's a long shot, but has anyone successfully applied for a decent PhD course and be accepted with lots of transfer ACE/NCCRS credits, or is it best to get a master's first before PhD if we want something in say the top 20 school in Computer Science?

Seems like there's a lot of mention about paid PhD programs, I suppose scholarships are out of the question. ha, I do not mind paying. And wonder if it makes sense to just apply for any opening in labs doing non-research roles then build out a relationship, express interest in research and go from there.

I applied to and got into six doctorate programs. None were PhDs, but a few were EdDs, one was a DBA, and another was a DHA. I had no problem getting in with an UMPI masters. However, they gave a significant amount of weight to already having a Master's degree. 

It's not required, if, your PhD programs lets you Master on the way to the PhD. But, I do recommend it, if you're application isn't shining and with GRE test scores that are near-perfect. If you don't have a master's a lot of programs will likely expect a GRE. 

If you plan on paying for your own PhD. I'd recommend get a master's first.