Portfolio Assessment - COSC or TESC?

Thanks for all the thoughtful answers to me previous post. Here's another question:

I've done a significant number of interesting things with my life in the past 25 or so years, many of which map pretty closely onto course descriptions of accredited colleges. Is it worthwhile to go the Portfolio Assessment route, or would you recommend testing out of as much as possible? Further, which external degree program would you recommend - Charter Oak (COSC) or Thomas Edison (TESC)?

Thanks for your consideration and response.

 

I'd go the testing route!

HI!

I completed my BS in business at TESC, and at first, I thought the portfolio assessment was my ticket to a quick and easy degree. However, once I looked into the process, it seemed like a real nuisance. It's not as though you send them a copy of your resume, and they grant you a hundred credits. You must provide extensive documentation, and it is not a process you can complete quickly. Add to that the possibility that TESC won't feel your experience is adequate, and you've wasted a lot of time (and some money) for very few, if any, credits. (I have heard others highly recommend the portfolio assessment progran, but it wasn't right for me.)

Once I learned the details, I chose to complete my degree through testing. I was able to take tests for every course I needed to complete my business administration/marketing degree, and I was able to do it very quickly. I live in NJ, so I went to TESC to take my tests -- arranging for proctors elsewhere could be a nuisance, but I never had to do it, so I can't say for sure.

I know there's probably something seriously wrong with me, but I enjoyed the testing. The idea that I could learn the course materials completely independently, take a test, and earn the same credits I would have had to sit in a classroom for 15 weeks to get in a traditional situation, really appealed to me.

Additionally, TESC is very helpful in providing suggested reading lists and sample test questions -- or at least they were in 1993-94 when I was taking my tests. They publish a special book that describes the TESC tests, and they also point you toward the best test prep books for CLEP exams. (I think the DANTES tests were described in the TESC book, but I can't remember for sure.)

Anyway, I'm sure Charter Oak is just as good a choice, but I've only has experience with TESC, and every aspect of earning my degree there was very positive.

Let me know if you need any more info, and good luck!