[sunshinefisherman]

I finished my college degree in 2003 at age 46 and have a tip to pass along to anyone, young or old, who is in or contemplating college.

There is a program called CLEP (No, it's not a STD) that stands for college level examination program CLEP Home page . This is similar to challenging courses except that it is administered by a nationally recognized organization and is independent of any one college.

Here's how it works, you pay a non-refundable fee of around $50 to take the test, and then sit at a computer terminal for 90 minutes taking a multiple guess test. If you pass, you are awarded 2 to 7 semester credit hours that are recognized by all the regional accreditation organizations. If you fail, the failure DOES NOT become part of your record and you can re-take the test in 6 months.

I CLEP’ed 24 semester credits for a cost of $270 in around 2 months. That’s my entire junior year! I took mine at George Fox and Mount Hood Community College but most Community Colleges will test you. The only gotcha is that if you are in a degree completion program, some courses may duplicate your course material and may not be accepted by the program so check with your advisor.

I bought a study guide and studied it for several months before taking the humanities test. After I took the first test I could not believe how easy the tests are! My advice is don’t knock your brains out studying, just roll the dice and take the test. If you want to study, you will only need the highlights.

I suggest that you take all the writing and math courses and CLEP all your elective credits with stuff like Management, American History, Psychology, Marketing and Sociology.

Good Luck!

 

[Thumper]

I guess it all depends on the purpose for attending college. Some folks go to learn, not to pile up credits.

 

[Cool Texan]

But Thump, if you can test out of the class that theoretically says you have already learned the material, so why not save the $$.

 

[Thumper]

But Thump, if you can test out of the class that theoretically says you have already learned the material, so why not save the $$.

Do you really believe that you will "learn the material" without taking the course? Maybe I was not smart enough to be able to do that. :depressed:

 

[Cool Texan]

Re-read the statement...."already learned", meaning its been learned at some point in the past. Example...what if I worked for a summer doing the books for my fathers business where I did payroll, bank recon's, paperwork prep for the bank loans, etc. What are the odds that with only that experience I could pass the Accounting 1 class? Trust me, the odds are pretty high.

I dont think Sunshine is looking to cheat a system...instead, he's advocating streamlining the process by capitalizing on prior knowledge and experience...and for that I applaud him.

 

[Dip]

I agree why relearn what u already know.I always look at the option of testing out of classes. By attending a class that u already know everything in. You eventually quit paying attention find hw to easy so you get bored and dont finish it. Then eventually stop going to class unless u have a test or exam. that has been my experience anyways, and then you end up with a C grade that hurts your grade point avg.

 

[Jettin' Fool]

As much as college is right now I think its a pretty good tip! A little late for me however :tongue:

JF

 

[BCF]

Maybe I was not smart enough to be able to do that. :depressed:

Jack ,Jack ,Jack......how can I pass up an opening like this?

Yes you are right. :blush: :laugh:

BCF :cheers:

 

[BCF]

Great advice Sunshine. Congradulations also on obtaining your degree. :applause:

BCF out

 

[Zodiac-Fisherman]

Sunshine,

Being a college student, Ill check it out. thanks!