TESC is starting to seem like the best option

[thatbrian]

More than a few people say that the customer service stinks at TESC, but they also look like the easiest school to get a BA from. They give credit for FEMA, they take 200 courses as upper level (so a few CLEP/DSSTs would count) etc. I almost ruled them out, but I don't want to be hasty. They are starting to look like a good option for me, and the name of the school is the best of the three IMO.

Any feedback from TESC students would be helpful and appreciated. This is a huge decision for me and I would hate to screw it up.

Thanks,

Brian

[HawkGuy]

I'm really happy that I picked TESC. I chose them for the same reasons you did, plus I love the fact that they're geared towards adult learners.

As you said, the only downfall is their crappy customer service. I needed some info, and it took forever to get an answer back. But then again, when I sent them an email asking them to change my major, it happened about 3 days later. So I guess it's all about who reads your email or picks up the phone.

On the whole, I like them. I think if you go there, you'll be making a good choice.

[mlwilliamsiv]

That is exactly why I chose TESC. I like the fact that they accept FEMA courses (for free) and I also like the fact that they use alot of other courses to satisfy the Upper Level Credits. I can deal with the customer service bit as I don't plan on having too many interactions with the school anyway.

The only con I don't like about TESC is that they don't allow payment plans for their tuition and that they require Pre-calculus to meet the math requirement. If it wasn't for these two reasons...I'd give them a huge thumbs up in my opinion.

At first I was interested in Excelsior because they do accept payment plans which was a huge plus for me. But I didn't like the fact that they don't accept the English Composition CLEP to meet the Written English Requirement. I also didn't like the fact that you must take alot of their exams (ECE exams) to obtain Upper Level Credit. Those exams are pretty pricey and you can easily spend way more than you would at TESC.

I also preferred the name Thomas Edison State College over Excelsior College. Plus...I didn't like the design of their diploma...it looks very cheesy to me. I don't mean to offend anyone who loves Excelsior, I am just giving my thoughts and opinions.

Granted I am not a sponsor or endorser of TESC, but I have chosen to enroll there for the aforementioned reasons given above. This is just my point of view. Whatever school you decide to go with is your own personal choice and I wouldn't "down" a school to anyone. I believe any of the Big Three can meet the educational goals of everyone choosing to go the credit-by-examination route or "testing out" route. I just believe that TESC is the best way for me to move forward with my educational goals at this time.

There is my 2 cents!!!

From a loyal degree seeker,

Marshall

[barcotta]

This is a huge decision for me and I would hate to screw it up.

Well, the good news is that, in this case, I don't think you really CAN screw it up. Any of the big three will be just fine. I'm unaware of anyone who lost out on a job or educational opportunity due to the fact that they graduated from COSC instead of EC--or TESC instead of COSC, etc. I stressed for YEARS about this and, knowing all that I know now, it was needless. Pick the one that makes the most sense and don't look back.

The one thing that I know now (post-decision) that I wish I knew then is the relative ease of some of the CLEP and DSST exams you can take for elective credit. I, like you, was placing a high premium on the easiest and cheapest ways to get credit. Now I recognize that there are enough tests that, for me, would require minimal preparation, so now I would not factor that in so highly. I also made my decision pre-FEMA.

Excelsior appeared to be more flexible to me based on my needs and I have some relatives that graduated from there. If I recall, I liked the minimal $$$ up front aspect of EC as well. Oddly enough, if I had it to do over again, the one advantage that TESC has which may sway me to TESC has nothing to do with anything discussed this far. I obtained a business degree and I would prefer for my degree to be called a BSBA--as it is at TESC and 95% of all other colleges.

However, don't stress about making the "wrong" choice. Just do your due diligence and pick whichever makes the most sense for your needs. And, most of all, once you decide--don't look back, and have fun!

[cookderosa]

More than a few people say that the customer service stinks at TESC, but they also look like the easiest school to get a BA from. They give credit for FEMA, they take 200 courses as upper level (so a few CLEP/DSSTs would count) etc. I almost ruled them out, but I don't want to be hasty. They are starting to look like a good option for me, and the name of the school is the best of the three IMO.

Any feedback from TESC students would be helpful and appreciated. This is a huge decision for me and I would hate to screw it up.

Thanks,

Brian

I chose TESC for the exact same reasons you mention. As long as you don't need too much hand holding the customer service thing is bearable. You just look past it.
To anyone who is planning on using bulk testing, I'd suggest TESC in a heart beat. Would I go there as a regular college? Heck no! Funny thing- in my classes, usually only one or two people out of the entire class have ever done a CLEP or DSST-my classes are almost entirely filled with regular students using traditional classes to meet their degree requirements. :confused: I would even go so far as saying they don't even know it's one of the the "big 3." (I guess TESC does a lot of local advertising, so they get a ton of locals)
I am happy to walk away with two degrees from them...let's just say I won't be buying the t-shirt.

[OnMyWay]

It's so funny you mention that Jennifer... I was also surprised with the amount of locals. That actually made me feel much better because the school obviously doesn't have a bad reputation locally so I know it won't keep me down 500 miles away.

FYI, I chose TESC mostly because I like the name and diploma :o it will go on my wall and I want it to look nice. FEMA & 200 + as upper level were icing on the cake.

I actually like the fact that you can get a B.S in Liberal Studies at Excelsior because I have a ton of management classes for a management concentration.

[Levi]

The only con I don't like about TESC is that they don't allow payment plans for their tuition and that they require Pre-calculus to meet the math requirement. If it wasn't for these two reasons...I'd give them a huge thumbs up in my opinion.

This post is a couple of years old....Can anyone confirm if this is still true? Does TESC not allow payment plans for tuition?

[TMW2010]

This post is a couple of years old....Can anyone confirm if this is still true? Does TESC not allow payment plans for tuition?

Nothing is said on their website about payment plans being an option, but you'll probably get the straight answer from the Bursar's office.

[Levi]

Nothing is said on their website about payment plans being an option, but you'll probably get the straight answer from the Bursar's office.

Yep....Customer service responded today and said that there are no payment plans available.

[TMW2010]

That's kind of suprising actually. I wonder if is an effect of being a state run school.