Anybody feel up to reviewing a newbies degree plan?

[kearabell]

Hello! I'm new to this forum/the entire concept of testing out of a degree. I've been researching for awhile and I'm about to get started on some of my GenEd tests. I was just hoping someone could check out my degree plan for TESC and let me know if I messed up anything (I'm sure I did, haha). If there's anything that can be replaced by an easier/cheaper option that would help as well :/

Extra things about me if they help: I'm 24 and I have no college background. Once I finish my BA I'd like to get into a Master's of Library and Information Science program. I'm planning on trying to get an internship at a local library to spice up my application once I get to that point. If anyone has any advice on this degree or courses that would be particularly helpful I'd appreciate it! I'm paying for all of this out of pocket for now but once I actually apply to TESC I'd like to try to get some financial aid.

Thank you so much for any help you can give!

My plan so far:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]1546[/ATTACH]

(I hopefully included the 18UL credits/24 residency credits. Not sure if I got the overflow credits right?)

[ajs1976]

Others here are better at this then I am, but I see a couple of things you may want to look into.

1. You may have some duplicates in your math classes. You have a TECEP, a number of ALEKS, and a CLEP.
2. Under electives, you list the TEEX Cybersecurity classes and the Excelsior Cybersecurity. Again, that may duplicate.
3. I only see one SL course. Depending on the courses, you might be able to complete more then one in a month. There are also promotions codes available and some packages deals on the website that may help save money in this area.

[kearabell]

Others here are better at this then I am, but I see a couple of things you may want to look into.

1. You may have some duplicates in your math classes. You have a TECEP, a number of ALEKS, and a CLEP.
2. Under electives, you list the TEEX Cybersecurity classes and the Excelsior Cybersecurity. Again, that may duplicate.
3. I only see one SL course. Depending on the courses, you might be able to complete more then one in a month. There are also promotions codes available and some packages deals on the website that may help save money in this area.

Thank you! I tried to figure out the math equivalencies using this chart but I'm not sure how up to date it is. According to that though these should be the same:
Aleks Intermediate Algebra = MAT115
Aleks College Algebra = MAT121
TECEP Applied Liberal Arts Math = MAT105
CLEP College Mathematics = MAT101/102

Again I'm not sure how up to date that chart is though so if anybody knows about these for sure let me know?

The Cybersecurity class is a good point too! Hm I'll have to look into that. At least the TEEX one is free so if it's a duplicate at least I'd just waste time and not money, haha.

I left the last elective free so if I have time with SL for another course that's definitely a good idea to fill in the space!

[Prloko]

For a first crack at this, you did a great job! Some people don't even make their own plan. I have to look into it more, but it looks good so far. Be sure to double check your overages.

On a separate note, I always wanted to do library science. I'm too far into my career now to start over, but that would've been my preferred career. Make sure to research your target schools for your Master's now. Be sure to incorporate any prerequisites or other courses that these schools want to see

[kearabell]

For a first crack at this, you did a great job! Some people don't even make their own plan. I have to look into it more, but it looks good so far. Be sure to double check your overages.

On a separate note, I always wanted to do library science. I'm too far into my career now to start over, but that would've been my preferred career. Make sure to research your target schools for your Master's now. Be sure to incorporate any prerequisites or other courses that these schools want to see

Thanks so much! I've always been interested in it as well but was daunted by how much I'd have to pay for school. Now that I know this is an option for my BA I'm determined again! I'm looking into either USC or somewhere in NJ if I happen to move by then. So far I'm not seeing many prerequisites for MLIS programs. Recommendation letters are my biggest worry right now (which is why I thought an internship would be a good idea).

[bricabrac]

I have to agree with Prloko and acknowledge the work you put into your plan. Kudos! Wish more were this thorough. It speaks volumes to the students' drive and I can already predict you wil do extremely well.

On to my feedback -- your plan looks great! The math courses are fine, you will receive credit for all, there are not duplicates. Your area of study also looks great. I concur with the previous poster in confirming the cybesecurity exam will not duplicate the TEEX courses.

You might also want to take a look at Penn Foster's Business and Technical Writing. It transfers as ENG-216 and complements Technical Writing and Straighterline Business Communications perfectly. You could bang them out at the same time and take advantage of the subject overlap.

Good luck!


Edit to add: Another TECEP that would blend nicely with what you're already taking, POS-101-TE Introduction to Political Science. You could take this prior to American Government.

[kearabell]

I have to agree with Prloko and acknowledge the work you put into your plan. Kudos! Wish more were this thorough. It speaks volumes to the students' drive and I can already predict you wil do extremely well.

On to my feedback -- your plan looks great! The math courses are fine, you will receive credit for all, there are not duplicates. Your area of study also looks great. I concur with the previous poster in confirming the cybesecurity exam will not duplicate the TEEX courses.

You might also want to take a look at Penn Foster's Business and Technical Writing. It transfers as ENG-216 and complements Technical Writing and Straighterline Business Communications perfectly. You could bang them out at the same time and take advantage of the subject overlap.

Good luck!


Edit to add: Another TECEP that would blend nicely with what you're already taking, POS-101-TE Introduction to Political Science. You could take this prior to American Government.

Aw thank you so much! I'll substitute Intro to Political Science in place of Marriage in the Family and try to fit the other one in too! That is a huge help

[rebel100]

Have you completed your FAFSA? There may be ways to maximize your grant (if you qualify) that would reduce your out if pocket. I selected COSC for this very reason. It's free to apply for FAFSA and they tell you what your qualified for when its complete.

[kearabell]

Have you completed your FAFSA? There may be ways to maximize your grant (if you qualify) that would reduce your out if pocket. I selected COSC for this very reason. It's free to apply for FAFSA and they tell you what your qualified for when its complete.

I haven't! I was leaning more toward TESC but I'm still a bit on the fence. I didn't know there would be a difference when it came to financial aid between the schools! Thank you for telling me

[bricabrac]

Aw thank you so much! I'll substitute Intro to Political Science in place of Marriage in the Family and try to fit the other one in too! That is a huge help

Good idea since that exam has been refreshed for the September term. Check your PM.