No longer grading CLEP exams?

[1truefish]

Hi there, I'm just starting my journey here and no doubt I have a lot to learn. Can someone help me with something?

I'm interested in choosing which of the Big 3 to attend based on the potential for the highest GPA. As far as I understood it, Excelsior awards letter grades for CLEP and other exams, which would mean that if I get high scores, Excelsior would be the way to go. However, in their Credit-by-Exam Catalogue, it says this: "All CLEP exams for which we previously awarded letter grades must now use pass/fail grading because there is not sufficient data on the new computer-delivered exams to recommend minimum scores for B and A."

So now I'm thinking Excelsior isn't my best bet.

Any thoughts?

Many thanks!

[NAP]

CLEPs have not been graded at EC for at least 10 years. DSSTs are being refreshed; I don't know if there are any left to take that would be graded now. Consider UExcel tests for grades. Some are about $100, but may have a hefty proctor fee. You may also be among the first members here to take them, so it might be hard to find feedback, but your feedback on study materials will be very valuable to others.

Best wishes on your new journey!

[GoodYellowDogs]

UExcel have a letter grade and in my experience cost $99 plus a $50 proctor fee.

[cookderosa]

I'm interested in choosing which of the Big 3 to attend based on the potential for the highest GPA. !

May I ask why that's your top concern? My suggestion might be better if I knew why you needed a high GPA.

[defscarlett]

Might consider Straighterline for Excelsior. I believe those are still graded, and would cost the same or less as an ECE exam if finished in one month.

[martialartist]

$95 for UExcel, $4 saved to have a pint

[1truefish]

I'd like to apply to graduate school after I finish my BA, and of course having the best GPA possible can only help.

[cookderosa]

I'd like to apply to graduate school after I finish my BA, and of course having the best GPA possible can only help.

Ok, got it.
So, you should know that CLEP won't give you a grade at any college, so it's got no impact on your GPA - it won't raise or lower it. As a general rule of thumb, coursework you transfer in won't be part of that degree's GPA while coursework earned in house is. That said, for most grad schools, they'll (on their own) calculate your GPA based on all your graded credit from all sources. Example- you have a solid 2.0 GPA from school before, but enroll at TESC. TESC awards credit, but brings in no grade- so you take 1 class at TESC and earn an A. Like magic, you "graduate" with a 4.0 and that's true, however, for grad school, they'll recalculate your 2.0 in with your 4.0 and come up with a new amount. HTH

[soliloquy]

What is your GPA now and what grad schools do you have in mind? I tested out of 39 credits and had a credential assessment which earned 39 credits. My 4 COSC classes gave me an institutional GPA of 4.0 and an overall of 3.7 something. I also had military credit. The rest was college courses. The amount of teating did not preclude me from getting into the grad school I chose. Maybe figure out that component first and see what there requirements a are. Some have a minimum for graded credit.

[SuZQ2]

Might consider Straighterline for Excelsior. I believe those are still graded, and would cost the same or less as an ECE exam if finished in one month.

I can tell you with certainty that Excelsior does not award grades for SL's Comp I and Comp II - it's pass/fail only...not sure about any of SL's other courses...

Just to add to previous statements, CLEPs at EC are all pass/fail - no grades...