Basic Questions

[alissaroot]

I am new to this board and this testing process. I just became a student at Excelsior. I need to get close to 70 units through testing before getting my BS degree. My long range goal is to go on to get a Masters (at least) in Psychology.

Here are some basic questions I have:

*How do I find out what kind of score I need on each test to pass and/or achieve a certain grade?

On Excelsior's Publications page, you can download a document called "Student's Guide to Credit By Examination" or something similar to that. It provides the cut scores for all exams, including which will give you letter grades.

*How do I alert Excelsior that I took each test and of the score I received? If I take any test and fail (although I'm not planning to do that), can I simply never let the school know that I took that particular test?

For CLEP exams, there will be a drop down menu on the computer where you select the school you wish to have scores sent to immediately before you take the test.

For DSSTs, you will have to provide the four digit school code where you wish to have scores sent. I can't remember the code off the top of my head, but you can find it by doing a search at EC's site, getcollegecredit.com, or searching this forum.

At the end of every test you take, you will be given the option to cancel your scores if you think you failed, and the scores will not be reported. Don't do this, though. Always report your scores, because 1) you probably did better than you think you did and, 2) Excelsior doesn't accept fails in transfer, so they won't show up on your transcript anyway, and 3) you can retake the test in six months if you fail.

*How can I figure out which tests I need to take to get my degree given the 50ish credits that they are already counting from my college transcripts?

Your evaluation from Excelsior should tell you what you need to finish your degree, and forum member cookderosa has a link in her signature to a post that should help you figure out which credits go where. Or, you can post your EC evaluation here or message it to me and we will all help you come up with a plan.

*Does one need half upper level and half lower level credits from these tests?

If you plan to have a specific major, you need fifteen upper level credits in that major.

All together, you must have 21 upper level credits in the Arts & Sciences, the other nine can be either Arts & Sciences or Applied Professional/Free Elective. You just need thirty upper level credits total.

*Is there anyway to test out of a Masters Degree? ;o)

Thanks to anyone who can help me get clear on this process!!

There's just one that I know of, Heriot-Watt's MBA. Search for Edinburgh Business School, I think. The degree is an international degree. I think it consists of nine very difficult exams, 11 for a specialization, about $300 each? I'm sorry I don't know much about the program, but that's where to start the search...
[Edit to Add] Edinburgh Business School: Distance Learning MBA and Online Business Courses [/End Edit]

Good luck!