Working with an advisor and testing out

[thatbrian]

Is an advisor from one of the big 3 really going to help me choose all of the exams I need to take to test out? Isn't that hurting the cashflow for them? I'm wondering how helpful they will be since I need all the help I can get.

Thanks

[bawhitsett]

My advisors at both EC and TESC helped me find courses at other colleges that would fulfill my degree requirements, and if you think about it it's no different. I think they understand that most people are looking to transfer in credits so there should be no problems.

[Lindagerr]

I have usually looked into all the available test picked what I thought would work and then just called and asked a advisor if that works. once or twice they have redirected me, but never told me I needed to take a class. I entered TESC with 30 B & M credits I took one TESC course, because I was crazy enough to want to. I have already received approval 2 more CLEP and I will have my AA.

[pmc2009]

I think the fact the we have to pay an annual enrollment fee to these schools gives us an automatic right to test out of as many credits as possible. :p

[barcotta]

Speaking for Excelsior College only, I've recently learned that the tests came before the college. In other words, New York State, along with some private funding from Carnegie and Ford, first created standardized testing for college credit even before the concept of testing out of college existed in the US. The founders of what eventually became Excelsior College first created some exams to be used to obtain credit by students attending existing colleges--and then ultimately created the external degree program to allow people to achieve a college degree (initially an Associates degree) solely by testing.

So--testing out is not a way around taking courses as much as it is the reason the college was founded in the first place. Aside from that, if you register at their site (free), there's a publication called the Student Guide to Credit by Examination (or something like that) that clearly details which exams are accepted for each requirement. I don't think I ever had to even ask which exams would work for my degree because it's all described in that publication. I DID need help with other sources--none of which they could profit from--and they always helped me promptly.

The best example I can think of is when I asked my advisor a couple of questions via email. I was inquiring if the Accounting courses given at my local community college would fulfill both accounting requirements and I also asked if a specific course would fulfill the Info Lit requirement. The answer on the Info Lit requirement was no, but they then--without me asking--looked at the college catalog and found a course that DID qualify. The result--instead of them receiving the $300 for THEIR Info Lit program--I paid $20 at my local community college.

You needn't worry about any profit motives working against your best interests based on my experience.

[thatbrian]

Thanks for all of the replies and for helping out this newbie.

Love this place!

[cookderosa]

My advisors at both EC and TESC helped me find courses at other colleges that would fulfill my degree requirements, and if you think about it it's no different. I think they understand that most people are looking to transfer in credits so there should be no problems.

Well, technically, they will advise you. On a personal note (I'm a TESC student) I strongly suggest working this out for yourself. It's not hard once you get into the groove of where classes count and how to plan your course of action. If you visit either EC or TESC website, I know they list course to test equivalencies. Use this as your bible- print it out- build your degree plan and have your adviser CHECK it for workability.

(TESC website- open college catalog pdf, pages 104-106)

[Pattie]

I am a TESC student and I can tell you from my own experience that my advisor was extremely forthcoming and helpful as far as guiding me toward CLEP and DSST exams as well as B & M courses that would be most appropriate for me. While it is true that this may move credit hour dollars away from them, they want their students to succeed at a pace that makes their program attractive. If that means some tuition dollars lost but more students coming on board...it just makes sense.

[crshore]

At COSC, testing is supported and encouraged. When you receive your "official" evaluation of credits, they also provide you with a list of the courses you need, as well as ways you can get those credits. For example, I recall the letter I received from my advisor said I needed 3 credits in ethics, and she detailed the classes AND exams I could take to fulfill the requirement. Any time I e-mailed her about a potential test and how it could fit into my degree plan, she always answered me quickly and accurately.