Hi all, I just joined IC an I am totally amazed at the resources that I am seeing! Wow!! But it is all so confusing for me too - I am trying to make sense of it all - probably trying to read it all too quickly..lol..

From what I am reading, basically its Excelsior and Thomas Edison that one can basically test out of all classes for a degree? I am looking to pull all my credits together and put them towards one degree asap....any suggestions would be appreciated.

To start?? choose Excesior or Thomas Edison? then send them my transcripts? Would an advisor help me decide which degree I am the closes to completing or is that all up to me?

First off ~ welcome. You have just stumbled upon the greatest resource in your quest. We have a diverse community here (both in backgrounds, ages and schools we are attending).
What kinds of credits do you have at this point and what is your purpose in obtaining this degree? There are some degrees that are more generic that can be obtained with a wide variety of credits (all you need is two focus areas) and there is the traditional bachelors with a major. As far as schools, Excelsior cannot be beat for cost and flexibility (imho). If cost is not the main factor there are other excellent options available. Do a search to read up on past posts and then ask specific questions. This is a group that's always eager to help.

Welcome to the board. The "Big Three" are Charter Oak, Thomas Edison, and Excelsior. They're the best known for being accredited while allowing you to complete your entire degree through testing. There are a few Charter Oak and Thomas Edison students here on the forum, and a LOT of Excelsior fans.

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Steve, Webmaster

Thank you for the warm welcome! I am actually looking at 2 different degrees - the first a Bachelor of Science for Nursing - so I am trying to get through a bunch of pre-req's by Clep and Excelsior and DSST. After I posted to the group I spent a little time at the Excelsior website and noticed that the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences would be semi easy to get because of all the pre-req's I already need, and what I have. It seems like it would not add many more classes to what I need now (need 11 pre-req's to get into the school I am looking at for my nursing bachelors).

I am trying to wade through all the information at this site and it is amazing how much there is....I only hope I can add to it at some point - you know that play it forward concept....

Welcome to the group!! I think you'll find the people on this board quite knowledgable and willing to help answer your questions. Whichever school you choose, you have to apply first. I think it partially depends on the degree you're working toward. For me, after planning to go through, Thomas Edison, I switched to Excelsior due to a number of reasons, but the main reason was student services. I would recommend doing a search on these forums for some of your topics. Chances are, it's been discussed before, with every possible alternative being discussed as well. If you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

On a personal note, I recommend Excelsior. You send in the app & fee, then send all your transcripts there for evaluation. Then it's simply a waiting game. They'll let you know when they've reached a decision.

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Matymus Prime
Lincoln, NE
Excelsior College
B.S. General Business


~105 Credits down - 15 to go~