Anyone here familiar with the CLEP exams?

[semaxwell1]

Anyone here familiar with or have taken any of the CLEP exams? This was an article in my local Sunday paper. I'm wondering if I should take some CLEP exams instead of taking the usual basic English, Math, Science courses that are part of my cirriculum. I basically took those classes in high school and really don't want to take them again.

In reply to:

Shortening Your Path To A College Degree
Taking a CLEP exam can provide the boost you need to graduate from college

It's the higher education equivalent of the "perfect storm" — students of all ages are seeking more education to help them weather the rocky economy. At the same time tight state budgets are forcing colleges to increase tuition and cut back on financial aid. But help is available, according to the College Board, through CLEP, the College-Level Examination Program that saves students both time and money.

CLEP provides thousands of students of all ages with a unique opportunity to demonstrate academic achievement through a program of rigorous exams in introductory college-level subjects. The 35 CLEP exams range in subject from English Composition to U.S. History, and include Biology and Spanish, among others. The exams or 90 minutes and are made up primarily of multiple choice questions.

James Ownby, 34, is a victim of the high-tech bust who used CLEP to advance himself. For years, Ownby enjoyed a successful career with a Fortune 500 company even though he had never earned an undergraduate degree. But when tough times hit, his employer cited his lack of a degree as the reason he was chosen for termination.

"Time was of the essence in getting a degree because in the computer industry, it's crucial that you don't stay away fro any length of time so your skills don't become outdated." says Ownby.

Ownby earned 35 credits and estimates he saved $16,000 through CLEP. As a result of CLEP, he was able to finish a four-year degree program in 18 months.

"The CLEP exams are rigorous and challenging, but I recommend them to other professionals who may find themselves in my situation," Ownby says. CLEP exams are offered at 1300 college and university test centers at universities throughout the United States. Because the exams are computer-based, students obtain instant score reports upon completion of the exam. The exams cost $55 each and test centers usually charge a small test administration fee. Passing a CLEP exam can save students hundreds or thousands of dollars on college tuition and fees.

CLEP gave 27-year-old Jackie Kim the boost she needed to graduate from college. Kim recently returned to school because she felt her job chances were being hurt by her lack of an undergraduate degree. "My goals were to get a degree as quickly and economically as possible, and CLEP helped me do that," says Kim. "I earned 44 credit hours and saved $33,000 in tuition costs through CLEP. Because I finished early, I was able to start my job search that much sooner."

CLEP also appeals to students who are beginning second careers. Olga Karlatos Rankin was a Broadway actor when she decided, at age 55, to return to the classroom for her bachelor's degree. She passed five CLEP exams that she ways saved her nearly $25,000 in tuition costs.

"I've always wanted to return to school but never had the chance," says Rankin. "CLEP gave me the opportunity to earn credit for all the things I had learned throughout my life so I could spend time concentrating on the essentials I needed from higher education." There are 2900 colleges that grant credit for CLEP exams. A student considering taking a CLEP exam should first check with the college to learn more about its CLEP policy and how much credit a student can earn through CLEP. However, it is not necessary to be enrolled in college in order to take a CLEP test.

CELP is administered by the College Board, a not-for-profit membership organization whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity with a commitment to excellence and equity in education.

For more information about CLEP, including exam descriptions and the colleges and universities that accept and/or administer CLEP exams, visit the College Board's Web site which is located at www.collegeboard.com/clep.

North American Precis Syndicate

semaxwell1

[mlm668]

Thanks for posting this.  I've been looking for information on where to take these exams for the same reason as you - to get through the basics faster and be able to get right down to the nitty gritty of what I want my degree in.

My son has taken these at his University to "CLEP a class" as he puts it.  Sounds to me like they're stealing the class.........lol.   Last year when we were first moving him into his dorm, the young man who helped us unload the truck gave him the low down on those exams.  Apparantly this fellow was going to be able to graduate in three years instead of the usual four because of the classes he was able to CLEP.  Definately well worth the cost of the exam in my book.  Especially when you compare $55 to $90 or more a credit hour (minimum three credit hours per class).  

On another note, has anyone come across any colleges/universities that offer Bachelor of Arts degrees online?  All I can find in evening, accelerated (in my area) and/or online classes  are business related degrees and that's not what I want.  I just want to earn a BA Degree in some type of liberal studies program and earn it for myself, not for my career.

Michelle

[joysmile60]

I know the University of Phoenix has an on-line degree program, but I'm not sure if you can get a liberal arts degree.  It's worth looking into, though.  And they also have a program where they will evaluate the training that your company offers and award credits for training classes that you've taken for work.

:)60
Joyce

[mlm668]

Have you looked at their prices though?  There are top rated Universities here in Virginia that don't even charge that much.  

Michelle

[countrigal]

I took 2 Clep exams during my college time.  Both were for basic classes that I felt were useless for me to re-take.  Just a word of warning... most colleges have a  limit on the number of CLEP exams you can use to fulfill required coursework, and some basic classes may be required to be classroom, no matter what.  Each school is slightly different in those requirements, as I found out when I transferred schools.  But CLEP tests are a great, inexpensive way of getting classes you're comfortable with out of the way.  Most CLEP tests also have a study guide to help you focus your attention on what they will be testing, so you can be as prepared as possible for the test.  And if you fail it, you can re-take it after a short wait, and still be under the cost of the full class.  Most of the schools I've been to offer the CLEP tests themselves, and just send them off to be graded, so you can take it on campus.  The only downside is that it does tend to take 6 weeks to get your score, so if it's a required pre-requisite that you're CLEP'ing, be sure to allow plenty of time for the score to be sent back to the school before you have to register for that next class.

CountriGal
Peer Moderator

[countrigal]

Oh, and I forgot... blank questions/answers are better than guessing, as you only get scored on the number of wrong answers of those you attempted.  But this is explained in the sample tests that you can use to 'study' for the CLEP.

CountriGal
Peer Moderator

[semaxwell1]

That's great info, countrigal! I guess the CLEP website would have more on studying and preparing for the CLEPS.

I'll have to check my community college and see what their rules are on taking the CLEP and which ones they'll accept.

semaxwell1