Please Push Me

[Mhamilton5]

After reading posts and PMs for almost a month now, I have reached the edge and need someone to push me off. I have a bad habit of procrastinating and over analyzing, I think myself into quick sand and get stuck. I just want to be sure I start on the correct path. I've been given excellent feedback from Publius and Cookderosa, who encouraged me to continue reading and post a thread for additional input. Thank you both very much.

I was introduced to the world of CLEP by a customer of mine and couldn't believe I had never heard of this alternative before. It is perfectly suited to my needs to finish my degree. One of the very first posts I came across was RSM1112's BSBA in 6 mos, it inspired me to learn more and to put a plan in place.

Thus far, I have about 40 hours from a Jr. College and CC in Houston. My goal is to complete a BSBA from TESC within the next couple of years. I want to make sure I head in the right direction and not cost myself valuable time. Jennifer recommended that I start knocking out Gen Ed courses, but would really appreciate as much feedback as I can get.

Based off of my current hours, where should I start, which tests do you guys recommend? Any and all suggestions are welcomed.

This is my current transcript:

ARTS 1301 Art Appreciation 3.00 3.00 C
BIOL 1406 General Biology I 4.00 4.00 C
DRAM 1310 Introduction to the Theatre 3.00 3.00 B
GEOG 1303 Local & World Geography 3.00 3.00 C
ITSC 1309 Integrated Software Appls. I 3.00 3.00 C
MATH 0306 Fund-Math I 3.00 3.00 B
PHED 8000 Physical Ed & Health Elective 1.00 1.00 B
PHED 8000 Physical Ed & Health Elective 1.00 1.00 A
PHED 8000 Physical Ed & Health Elective 1.00 1.00 A
PHED 8000 Physical Ed & Health Elective 1.00 1.00 A
PHED 8000 Physical Ed & Health Elective 1.00 1.00 A
PHED 8000 Physical Ed & Health Elective 1.00 1.00 A
PSYC 2301 Introduction to Psychology 3.00 3.00 D
SOCI 1301 Introduction to Sociology 3.00 3.00 B
SPCH 1315 Public Speaking 3.00 3.00 C
ENGL 1301 Composition I 3.00 3.00 B
HIST 1301 U.S. History to 1877 3.00 3.00 C
Course Trans GPA: 0.000 Transfer Totals : 40.00 40.00

This is what Jennifer put together for me:

Here is what I get for your credits using TESC's system:

English:
Eng 1, 3

Humanities:
Art, 3
Drama, 3
Speech, 3

Math/Science:
Bio, 4
Software Appl, 3
Math, 3

Social Science:
Geo, 3
Psych, 3
Soc, 3
History 1, 3

Free elective:
P.E. 6 (they may cap this at 4)

Business:
N/A

Thank you all in advance for your help, I am amazed by the generosity and encouragement found in this forum.

Mike

[esummer]

I believe TESC requires you to have 6 credits of English. You seem to have only 3, so why not start with an ENG102 class or the English Comp CLEP to knock that out of the way.

[rebel100]

I believe TESC requires you to have 6 credits of English. You seem to have only 3, so why not start with an ENG102 class or the English Comp CLEP to knock that out of the way.

Not a bad idea....you could bust it out with Straighterline....get back into the swing of things.

[cookderosa]

Ok, no one get their feelings hurt (lol rebel) but I think you should take CLEP Analyzing and Interpreting Literature. It's 6 juicy credits, and the majority of people will call this exam the easiest. The "reason" it's easiest is because it's a reading comprehension exam, not a literature exam (as in who wrote this/that). It's a GREAT ice breaker. You'll hit your remaining 3 in humanities, and the overflow will go into gen ed electives.

You don't actually need "that many" gen eds, so I wouldn't take something like American Literature (hard to find resources, kinda hard subject unless you read a lot of classics) when A&I is sitting there as low hanging fruit.

Yes, you need English comp, but that's a tad harder than the other CLEPs because it's the only exam that requires an essay, so I'd suggest something else for your first few. Get a feel for how it works, then you'll be able to ADD in the essay after you're super-comfortable with the multiple choice style CLEP uses.

Since you've shared your transcript- maybe someone else (Ryoder?) can tell me if your computer class is math or if it's a free elective. That was iffy for me when I took a look,the prefix confused me.

Lastly, you'll probably need something in the natural science/math (also computers) category - maybe consider statistics DSST exam (competing brand like CLEP) which is a requirement in your degree anyway.

Ok, really lastly lol, we didn't get into the meat of your business degree plan- but math is a brick wall in that degree. You'll need precal. Is that doable for you? If you say "sheesh, piece of cake" then you might consider the $20 ALEKS subscription for 1 month. You can earn toooonnnnnsssss of math (gen ed) through them if you're comfy with the precal level of math. Their highest class is precal, which means you can scoop up everything else UNDER precal (a day or two per class) and walk away with 12 credits. Finally, stats is also an option via ALEKS, so if you start the math sequence, you could do stats with them instead of DSST (cheaper/1 transcript).

So, what do you need? A push?
Today: find your nearest testing center College Admissions - SAT - University & College Search Tool and CALL to get the low-down on hours, exam fees and administration fees. Also, HOW do they want you to pay (differs). Same phone call- set an appointment for 3 weeks from today to take CLEP Analyzing and Interpreting Literature.

Tomorrow: Post how you're freaked out. Then start scanning the exam feedback threads for that test. Make or print off a list of things to know.

Days 2-20: study for 15 minutes every day. (or you can be pathetic like me, and study 8 hours the night before- not suggested)

Day before: review specific exam feedback again- make sure you feel like you know your stuff.

Test

Report here that you passed (notice my confidence in you?)

Slap your forehead and ask yourself why you were never told about CLEP. Be annoyed and pissed at all the time you wasted not knowing about this option. Then buckle down and rock this degree out!!!!

[rebel100]

I do love that A&I Literature CLEP....it's the one I usually recommend first to the folks I'm advising (unless FEMA will be used in the degree...I do find the free FEMA a great starter). The really important thing is to get going! Do something. Often the hardest part, for some, is that first step. That's how I took the OP.

As always Cook puts it into perspective for ya though!

[cookderosa]

Rebel is right, the first step is the hardest. We have ALL been there, literally. Hope you called

[LaterBloomer]

Mhamilton5

"Think of all the years passed by in which you said to yourself "I'll do it tomorrow," and how the gods have again and again granted you periods of grace of which you have not availed yourself. It is time to realize that you are a member of the Universe, that you are born of Nature itself, and to know that a limit has been set to your time." Marcus Aurelius

[Mhamilton5]

Thank you guys, I am still digging in and gathering the small details. I did call and found that my CC has a testing center that is 2 miles from work. Now I am trying to find out about the essay portion. It is not clear if it is required for Analyz. & Interpreting Lit. The HCC service manual shows a min score for it, but not sure how I verify. http://www.hccs.edu/hcc/System%20Home/De..._Chart.pdf

CLEP Exam Min. Scores HCCS Equivalent Course Sem. Hr.
Test Mode: Paper Computer
Business
Principles of Management 46 50 BMGT 1327 Principles of Management 3
Principles of Accounting 45 50 ACCT 2301-2 Prin. of Accounting I-II 6
Introductory Business Law 51 50 BUSG 2305 Business Law/Contracts 3
Principles of Marketing 50 50 MRKG 1311 Principles of Marketing 3
Info Systems/Computer App 52 50 ITSC 1301 Introduction to Computers 3
Composition and Literature
American Literature 46 50 ENGL 2327-8 American Literature I-II 6
English Literature 46 50 ENGL 2322-3 British Literature I-II 6
Engl. Composition & Essay 420 50 ENGL 1301-2 Composition I & II 6
Analyz. & Interpreting Literature 47 50 ENGL 2323 British Literature II 3
& ENGL 2328 American Literature II 3
Humanities 420 50 ENGL 2333 World Literature II 3
& ARTS 1301 Art Appreciation 3

I have another question for the community: Since I am only 20 hours away from my AAS at HCC, shouldn't I knock that out and get that degree first?

[cookderosa]

Thank you guys, I am still digging in and gathering the small details. I did call and found that my CC has a testing center that is 2 miles from work. Now I am trying to find out about the essay portion. It is not clear if it is required for Analyz. & Interpreting Lit. The HCC service manual shows a min score for it, but not sure how I verify. http://www.hccs.edu/hcc/System%20Home/De..._Chart.pdf

CLEP Exam Min. Scores HCCS Equivalent Course Sem. Hr.
Test Mode: Paper Computer
Business
Principles of Management 46 50 BMGT 1327 Principles of Management 3
Principles of Accounting 45 50 ACCT 2301-2 Prin. of Accounting I-II 6
Introductory Business Law 51 50 BUSG 2305 Business Law/Contracts 3
Principles of Marketing 50 50 MRKG 1311 Principles of Marketing 3
Info Systems/Computer App 52 50 ITSC 1301 Introduction to Computers 3
Composition and Literature
American Literature 46 50 ENGL 2327-8 American Literature I-II 6
English Literature 46 50 ENGL 2322-3 British Literature I-II 6
Engl. Composition & Essay 420 50 ENGL 1301-2 Composition I & II 6
Analyz. & Interpreting Literature 47 50 ENGL 2323 British Literature II 3
& ENGL 2328 American Literature II 3
Humanities 420 50 ENGL 2333 World Literature II 3
& ARTS 1301 Art Appreciation 3

I have another question for the community: Since I am only 20 hours away from my AAS at HCC, shouldn't I knock that out and get that degree first?

Disregard EVERYTHING from the CC since you're not a student there. You'll be under TESC's policy for scores and credit award.
Exact breakdown:
http://www.tesc.edu/academics/catalog/CL...rogram.cfm
No essay for A&I Lit or any of the tests, only English which is why I suggested not doing it first. A&I is all multiple choice only.

[Mhamilton5]

I was still enrolled there last semester. I just thought I could start taking exams towards the TESC program that can be used for to lock up a AAS to have and potentially use as soon as its complete, all while still following the coarse of TESU. I have 1 F on my record at HCC that would be nice to replace and help my GPA????

Again thank you all, I appreciate your input. It really helps me process everything. I trust your advice very much, just like to give rebottles to help me understand....