Excelsior Advice needed

[skyfall123]

Hello,
First of all, thanks for all of the great information on this forum!

I took my first two CLEP tests yesterday...Intro to Macroeconomics and Intro to Microeconomics. Using Instacert and a couple of links provided here, I managed to pass both tests (one easily, one barely...fatigue set in 1/2 way into second test). Woo-hoo! My first tests in 30 years. I'm sold!

I have the CLEP Accounting exam (the 6 credit version) scheduled for 6/29.

My Excelsior question is this....if I have 76 credits now (70 traditional and 6 CLEP), and plan on testing out of the remaining credits within the next 3-4 months mainly through CLEP and DANTES, when should I apply and enroll in Excelsior...before or after the CLEP Accounting?

BTW...I'll be going for the BS MIS

Thanks for any advice!

[bawhitsett]

If I were you (if you haven't done so already) I'd map out my entire course plan with which tests you believe (and you can ask questions here and at forums.degreeinfo.com, many knowledgeable people on both sites) will fulfill all your remaining requirements, and then enroll close to the end. If you're under the gun for getting a class in before the deadline (such as the business policy 5-year rule), then go ahead, but the longer you wait the better off you'll be able to handle any last minute surprises. Good luck!

[ShotoJuku]

[SIZE="2"]At the very least you should "apply" and receive your initial evaluation of your current credits and what you will need. I would surmise that you should be able to earn the balance of your credits within the initial first year enrollment. Good Luck![/SIZE]

[skyfall123]

Thanks for the quick responses!

bawhitsett...Thanks for the advice and link!The credits that I earned previously are from an AA degree which cover the initial prerequisites, so from here on out, I will concentrate specifically on the Business and MIS specific requirements and take tests and/or classes.....so they should all be considered current.

ShotoJuku...I'll apply at Excelsior per your advice. I assume that I should have an answer back within 6 weeks (the time for all transcripts to arrive), then I can enroll?

Thanks again!

[skwiggey]

Try to apply within 1 year of when you think you will be able to finish. You want to get your path locked down and guaranteed. I just enrolled, and I am lacking around 45 credits or so. But most of them are filler and 5 of them are actual courses that I need to take.

[auminer49r]

Geezer, You are in about the same situation I was in about 3 or 4 months ago. I agree with the other postings. Use resources such as Excelsior College, Value Of A College Education, Distance Learning Degree Program - 123collegedegree.com , or Online degrees by distance learning. BA in 4 Weeks and bain4weeks.com - online BA degrees and online graduate degees by examination., or the degreeinfo.com discussion boards and, of course, this instantcert forum to plan your degree path in detail.

I waited until I was at about 100 credits before I enrolled in Excelsior. And, in my humble opinion, I wouldn't bother enrolling until I knew I was within 6 months of getting my degree. You've got time. Kick some butt with CLEPs and DSSTs for a little while longer... 76 credits so far? Your doing great!

[Matymus]

For me, it was a bit easier to just enroll anyway. Having access to your advisor is needed. Sometimes you simply won't know what you need, what they'll necessarily accept without them telling you. If you haven't figured it out yet, they won't tell you squat until you're enrolled. A bit frustrating, but at the same time....they do go out of their way to help you reach your educational goals.

[Greggy_D]

If you haven't figured it out yet, they won't tell you squat until you're enrolled. A bit frustrating,

And they won't tell you squat until the official eval is done after enrolling. I'm still waiting. Burns my britches a little to know that I still can't use an advisor for 2 months out of the 12 I paid for.

[Matymus]

And they won't tell you squat until the official eval is done after enrolling. I'm still waiting. Burns my britches a little to know that I still can't use an advisor for 2 months out of the 12 I paid for.

I know...it makes me mad too. You've waited for 2 months for your official eval to be completed????

[Greggy_D]

No, it's been about 2 months since I applied and a month since the unofficial. Hey Excelsior.....just put the darn credits into the computer and look at what it spits out!!!