Questions from a Newbie

[Wildandcrazykids]

I have searched the threads and used the search button but still have questions.

1. What is OD- the robots and computer?

2. How do you get set up with ALEKS?

3. Should I get all of my kids an ACE transcript?

4.  Has anyone used Speedy Prep and is it worth the money for Clep?

5.  My three kids want a degree in Info systems or Cybersecurity.  Two of my kids are high functioning autistic but are great at school.  It is the reason we like online.  Any suggestions for them that are in high school and can do concurrent enrollment through BYU I where the credits are only $30 a credit?  

By the way I can't thank you enough for all the info on this site.  SO AWESOME!!! Hopefully, i can learn some new tricks so I can help someone else.

[dfrecore]

1) OnlineDegree.com

2) You just sign up for an account, and start doing whichever course you want that is ACE-recommended

3) Each kid who is planning on earning alternative college credit will need an ACE account so those credits can go somewhere. You don't order a transcript until you're ready to send the credits to a college.

4) Never used, I doubt it's worth the money

5) BYU doesn't have computer courses, but they do have a lot (maybe all?) of the Gen Ed's they'll need for any of the Big 3 schools. Take those. A bunch of RA graded credits is a much better option for your kids than alternative credit if the price is the same. They can be transferred to ANY school in the country, rather than just the Big 3 (as opposed to much of the alternative credit we recommend on here).

You may want to look into Homeschooling for College Credit, because it sounds like that's more of where you're at right now than headed for the Big 3. You may end up there, but you may not, and you don't want to limit your kids' options right now.

[Wildandcrazykids]

Thank you so much dfrecore. I really appreciate it.

[hsfamfun]

I didn't realize that BYU had a dual enrollment price that was lower, but that makes sense. I have heard good things about their Independent Study classes. However, I have also heard that the BYU class fee does not include proctor fees for the exams, and that is an extra expense.

I agree with dfrecore that it is a good idea to take as many RA credits as possible. My son is 19 and out of high school and through homeschooling and his efforts at dabbling in college, he has about 50% RA and 50% ACE right now. That leaves his options open for a college that doesn't accept ACE.

I have heard pretty good things about Onlinedegree.com and my son is considering a few courses. I have not heard of Speedy Prep.

I also agree that you should check out https://homeschoolingforcollegecredit.com/ and your state specific Homeschooling for College Credit facebook page.

Good luck and keep reading the forum, there is SO MUCH information shared here every day!