How to Start

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Geri, Oct 28, 2001.

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  1. Geri

    Geri New Member

    I have been researching DL since the beginning of the year now and seem to always wonder & wait for the next step. At first I was waiting for the local CLEP exam dates, then I tried to put together ideas for the portfolio, in the meantime have found out that I really only have CEUs which dont really count towards any degree. So, I am left with only 6 units from one CLEP exam and was advised by COSC & TESC to register first to get help with the portfolio. I am getting anxious and would like to start getting closer to a degree, which means STARTING something. Can anyone give me some guidance?

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  2. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    I would take (and pass hopefully) as many CLEP, DANTES, etc. exams as possible *before* I officially registered. That way, you are granted the credits as part of your initial evaluation, and avoid paying fees to transfer the credits later on in your degree program. This wouldn't matter if you used TESC's yearly fee (unlimited credit allowance), which I think is especially good for those in a big hurry to finish a degree program.

    Once you pass the exams, you'll most likely have a pretty good amount of credit built up for when you officially enter a program. This also applies if you plan on taking any correspondence/online courses or local residential courses as part of your program. Get them out of the way before officially enrolling, you save some money and time in the program. Once you accomplish this, you can officially enroll and work on the portfolios.

    I should also mention to make sure whatever tests or courses you take will apply to your degree program. Best of luck.


    Bruce




    [Note: This message has been edited by Bruce]
     
  3. Geri

    Geri New Member

    Thank you for your feedback. This confirms what I was thinking. As for CLEP, I bought the 2002 Edition and recently read about Cracking the Clep guidebooks. As I look at these tests, I feel like I know a little about all of them, but not enough. I hope to be able to pass at least the basics. What about DANTES? I thought these were for military personnel only. Is there a study guide for these?
     
  4. bgossett

    bgossett New Member

    Cracking the CLEP is an excellent resource, valuable both for the testing strategies and the practice exams.

    The Dantes tests have been available to civilians for quite a while now. The program is administered by the Chauncey Group. I had no difficulty in getting the testing center of a local state university to sign up for the program.

    The tests are very similar to the CLEP tests in terms of difficulty. If I'm not mistaken, there are actually more Dantes subject tests than the CLEP program has. You can read about the Dantes tests here and download fact sheets on each of the exams.

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    Bill Gossett
     

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