60+ Credits in 60 days

[Elinor]

Well, I certainly didn't set a goal for completing x number of credits over x number of days, but much to my surprise I've knocked out over 60 credits in the last 60 days primarily through testing. I had wanted to start last summer, but I couldn't fit it in with the way my schedule turned out. A couple months ago, I just decided that I would run on over to a testing center about an hour away whenever I could steal some time from my hectic schedule. They have a no appointments necessary policy that fit my busy, over-scheduled life. Whenever I unexpectedly had some time on my hands, I knocked out 2-4 tests. Here's the list:

College Composition Modular CLEP
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature CLEP
Technical Writing DSST
Intermediate Algebra ALEKS
College Mathematics CLEP
College Algebra CLEP
Information Systems and Computer Applications CLEP
Enviroment and Humanity DSST
Natural Sciences CLEP
Civil War and Reconstruction DSST
Intro to the Modern Middle East DSST
A History of the Vietnam War DSST
The Rise and Fall of the Soviet Union DSST
Personal Finance DSST
Macroeconomics CLEP
Microeconomics CLEP
Money and Banking DSST

(I squeezed in a couple Brick and Mortar Grad classes in there too )

I am probably done with the exception of knocking out a couple of accounting courses from Straighterline, but you never know...

:eek: ... and I thought I was doing tolerably well getting 60 credits in 9 months...! Ah, well. This is an encouraging post nevertheless! I'm planning on taking all those history DSSTs after the first of the year, and if you can prepare for them without taking a month to study for each, then so can I! (I hope...)

Which one of the tests you took were the easiest for you? I've got to take a test for free elective credits, and I'm trying to uncover the ones that would take the least amount of prep time.

[dblhelx]

I only read through the InstaCert Flashcards for the Enviroment and Humanity DSST exam one time. That was enough to help me pass the Natural Science CLEP exam.

I assume you had a significant biology background already? I do research for a living and I STILL had to browse the Biology CLEP to remind me of all the useless college Biology details that a scientist never uses in real life research. lol I studied Mitosis, plant structure, chemistry like 15 years ago...forgot 3/4 of the details.

[Yenisei]

As superb a job as the OP did, I bet that the Soc Sci general exam could have easily netted an additional 6 credits with little to no additional preparation. Hopefully the OP's success will motivate others, especially those new to credit-by-exam.

[slimcustomer]

I assume you had a significant biology background already? I do research for a living and I STILL had to browse the Biology CLEP to remind me of all the useless college Biology details that a scientist never uses in real life research. lol I studied Mitosis, plant structure, chemistry like 15 years ago...forgot 3/4 of the details.

I got a B- in high school Biology and have not really thought about it too much since. I may take the Bio CLEP afterall. I received an offer that sort of piqued my interest. Its to test the new Anatomy and Physiology 1 or 2 courses for Straighterline before they are released publicly,(although taking the ECE A&P exam might be more time-efficient). After taking those classes, I might as well push on and get enough credits to teach high school Biology.

[slimcustomer]

As superb a job as the OP did, I bet that the Soc Sci general exam could have easily netted an additional 6 credits with little to no additional preparation. Hopefully the OP's success will motivate others, especially those new to credit-by-exam.

I've looked at what's still available to me as far as CLEP and DSST Exams. If I wanted to, seeing that I've knocked out some of the more difficult exams, I probably could knock out another 60 in even less time if I waited till February when my schedule should free up some, but there are not that many exams left that suit my purposes. I wish hat tthere were, slogging through classes with papers and finals is not nearly as fun as the instant gratification of knocking out 2 or 3 tests in a day and seeing your scores near instantaneously upon their completion.

[ryoder]

slimcustomer - I agree that this is the way to go for me. I love the self study, instant grat that comes from this.
I think I may just do every possible CLEP and DSST and get every possible bachelors degree known to man!!!

Yeah I am crazy but you guys are too

[rossynull]

I just need 30 credits towards my BSN in nursing, but have not managed to fit in reading time to have the confident to book for any.Any tip on how to move forward?

[Tasman]

time management?

[thatbrian]

Great job! That's a lot to do in 60 days!

Respect!

Brian

[ryoder]

I started oct 1 or so and I am at about 45 credits. I might have been able to go a little faster if I could have stomached taking tests being a little less prepared but I have no regrets. I havent gotten my veal yet from tesc so I don't even know how close i am to my cis degree but I'm enjoying it anyway.