My Head is spinning... read tons... wrapup questions

Thank you for this amazing great resource!

I am a business consultant that is interested in getting (eventually) an MBA.

I live in NY State.

the amount of information here is astounding... all I can saw is WOW.

Question:

Do you suggest me signing up with Excelsior college and then start banking points there? Before I start clepping out (and I speak three languages fluently and have extensive real estate and business experience), I think that I want to "be enrolled" as a student and then start getting all the cleps I can based on what I know (Things like algebra and psych 101, I'll need to study for.)

I do have professional licenses (real estate) , teaching experience, computer experience, and stock market experience too

Thank you for all your input... there is such an amazing fountain of advice and links to educational material that I think I can fill up my 160 gig ipod with just course materials mentioned on this site.

I should also mention that I am currently overseas in Israel- and so, might need a testing center or proctor here (I know they exist, just got to find them.)

Thank You!

 

What I did was CLEP as much as I could were I knew there was not an otherlap such as English, History, Math, etc. When I felt I was pretty well set I sent everything to Charter Oak and was able to get things wrapped up pretty quickly. I didn't want to pay (have the clock ticking) for them to tell me that I need XX credits for an elective, 3 for history, blah, blah, blah.

Hope that makes sense and helps.

 

One thing to remember; all you are getting here is the opinion of a bunch of people, not unlike yourself. Some of the info is good and some is just OK. A few members are truly experts in DL. But a little of the info available here is, IMO, less than OK. I've developed a list of people on this site who's opinion I respect. Randell1234 is one of them.

 

thank you Randell1234 and MichaelOliver!

how did you make sure there was no overlap? did you use logic,or did you have a sheet form the college or someting like that to ensure you did not take multiple overlapping tests by mistake?

and how much did you pay - and how long did it take with charter oak?

Because I am in New York and because of some credits I'm hoping to be able to transfer in that are unaccredited but are accepted by Excelsior, I didn't even look into charter oak--- am doing that now!

 

I looked at the catagories that needed to be filled and the recommended CLEPs for each. I took as many unique tests as possible to all the required catagories.

I used this type of information to make sure I was on track. They used to list exactly what exams filled each Skill/Knowledge Area but this page gives you a good idea. I do not think COSC will accept any unaccredited credits but it never hurts to try.

I hope this helps.

 

There is no reason to go ahead and enroll with Excelsior (in a degree program, credit banking or otherwise) at this point. If you know which major you're interested in, you can easily see the requirements (for free) from the school's web site. Go ahead and start taking CLEP / DSST exams. You can also take Excelsior College exams without being officially enrolled. When you have accumulated a substantial amount of credit and believe you are nearing the finish line, go ahead and enroll.

If you enroll now and it takes you more than a year to complete the degree, you will have to pay an annual "maintenance fee." There's no need to do this. You'll get better academic advice for free right from this board.

 

Thank you!

after much research, I have concluded that I would like to start by applying for and getting credits for my lifes experience. it boils down to TESC, Charter Oak, and excelsior.

Which is the best option?

I speak 3 languages fluently, have lots of business experience, play some violin, have been mentioneed in national magazines,and much more... the question is, it seems to be that excelsior is stricter about granting credit for "stuff i know" then TESC?

I read something along the lines of "credit is given for things you learned not things you know"?

as a NY resident, Excelsior would be cheapest. but if i can get many more credits by going to another one, i'm game.

Also- do i need to bring proof of a HS diploma? the school no longer exists....

 

CLEP test centers in Israel can be found here:
CLEP Test Center Search Results

And DSST test centers can be found here:
DSST - GetCollegeCredit.com

 

"I speak 3 languages fluently"

You should just start accumulating credits that will be converted toward your degree. I'd start with languages - CLEP and NYU (I forge the rest of the program's name).

 

You can apply to TESC or Ecelsiorfor $75

If you apply to either school they will give you an unofficial credit evaluation, this can help you know what previous credits will be taken and in which areas they will count.. You will then have a better idea of what you still need.
You also may want to explore the past experience and difficulty level of what TESC calls PLA(Prior Learning Assessment), I am not sure what Excelsior calls theirs.
I would also suggest you check out these forums for more info on TESC and Excelsior CLEP Forum - CLEP Study - CLEP Testing - Study Guide and Strategies and UNOFFICIAL TESC WEBSITE - Login. Both are free to joiin, but you don't even need to join to read the great advice. I have found both helpful, I am now 8 credits short of my BA from TESC I started with 43 community College credits in Oct '06 and have done this part time with over 60 credits from testing out.

 

I agree. I think you could turn that language proficiency into some CLEP credits. May as well take the easy ones; the rest will be hard enough.

 

Thank you so much.

The NYU Link is here, for anyone reading this thread.

Question:

Can I speak to someone at TESC or Excelsior before joining as a student to help me figure out what I can test for to get enough credits and having all the subject areas I need... I'd rather not pay any fee until I have enough credits to transfer in to graduate ASAP...