Need advice on a few CLEPs vs DSST's

Hi all,

I'm in a crunch, and need to earn some specific credits fairly quickly (as in this semester). Here's what I need, either by CLEP, FEMA, DSST, whatever:
US History (lower division)
American Heritage (lower division)
Technical Writing (upper division)
Any type of upper division electives (the more the merrier).

Dealing with my advisor at UTEP, and the school is being a suckface regarding my degree plan, so I need to fill in some gaps via testing.

What I need to know is, regarding the above mentioned tests, which ones are the easiest/fastest/most efficient (in terms of prep time)? I want to learn the material, but I also am taking 18 hours, working full time, raising kids, and taking care of my elderly grandparents, so I need whichever tests will take the least amount of prep time. I think I saw somewhere on here the technical writing is fairly easy. I don't have much background in any histories, but can cram like a mad man for tests, so I feel confident I can pass the tests; I just would like to know what you guys feel would be the most efficient use of my time.

Hope I'm speaking clearly, I don't have a lot of time to proofread.

Thanks for the help!!!

 

It looks like CLEP is the answer
CLEP: Exam Descriptions

DSST exam is lower division. No CLEP exam

DSST has several upper division exams. See list here:
DSST - GetCollegeCredit.com

Have you considered switching to Excelsior or COSC?

 

Oh, had I only listened to the wise souls on this board prior to devoting all of my attention to UTEP. I'm already too invested in time and money to switch now.

Researching the rest. ..

If anyone else has anything else to add, I appreciate all the input I can get.
Thanks!

 

If you know much at all about computers, the DSST in Management Information Systems (MIS) is very approachable and would make a fine upper-level elective. The subject is the use of information systems in business and Laudon is a typical text. My detailed feedback (including a set of study notes) is in this forum.

Phillip

 

Substance Abuse is an upper level DSST. I've looked it over a bit and it doesn't look too unapproachable. I just started looking at the wise owl study guide for it, and if this guide is accurate it shouldn't be too bad.

 

Ian gave you the right choices. You can also look at TESC or EC's exam data bases. They offer many upper division choices.

I have two pieces of advice.
1) Testing requires study. ALL OF THE EXAMS you would take that meet your criteria WILL need some serious work (US History is the easiest of your needs). I'd take US History before attempting the others- just to get a feel for the process.

2. You need to check with your suck face advisor before expecting any exam to count.

 

Studying for US History I & II using REA guides. Just for fun, took one of the practice tests before reading anything. Boy, have I got work to do. Very humbling.

Cookderosa: I threw a bunch of tests at my advisor for consideration, and so far have not found anything that they will accept as upper level. Haven't tried all of those listed in this thread yet, though, will try substance abuse.

I'm going to get my advisor on the phone this morning and try every subject that DSST lists as upper level and see if I can't score a couple of electives.

Wish me luck!