+- Online Degrees and CLEP and DSST Exam Prep Discussion (https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb)
+-- Forum: Main Category (https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Forum-Main-Category)
+--- Forum: General Education-Related Discussion (https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Forum-General-Education-Related-Discussion)
+--- Thread: CLEP vs StraighterLine (/Thread-CLEP-vs-StraighterLine)
CLEP vs StraighterLine - johnami - 08-29-2012
Any thoughts on CLEP vs StraighterLine? Granted, if one knows the subject matter, CLEP is probably quicker. Otherwise, is one considered "better" than the other? Easier, quicker, etc?
Thanks!
CLEP vs StraighterLine - Publius - 08-29-2012
It really depends. I like SL, it can be really beneficial. If you have the motivation, then it can be fast and cheaper then CLEPs. I'm sure other folks on here can contribute to some of the pros/cons of SL vs CLEP.
SL Pros:
SL can be faster and cheaper then CLEPs.
You work at your own pace.
If you fail a test you don't fail the course. If you score well enough on the other exams, you can make up for the lost points. (whereas w/ CLEP you get one shot ever 6 months).
You get 10 hours of tutoring that can be helpful.
You have a plan to follow.
SL Cons:
If you start something like Macroeconomics and realize that there are 19 graded exams, 40 questions each (2 tests, midterm and final have 60 questions), then just getting it done can be a motivational killer looking at the pile of work. If you have the determination, then it's a snap.
If you take forever, it's going to cost more then CLEP.
Other considerations:
It's a wise idea to buy the recommended textbook for your SL courses. If you buy an earlier edition, it's no big deal.
Also, make sure that course you take with SL is ACE approved, I'm not sure if all of them are, they may be. What ever school you're going to, double check to make sure they accept it (guess this applies to CLEPs too).
CLEP is a lot more independent. That said there are targeted resources out there to help in your preparation (like the IC cards, REA books, petersons tests).
Lastly, what several folks have done is attempt the CLEP, if they don't meet the score they needed, turn to SL and give it a shot since the info is still fresh.
CLEP vs StraighterLine - chiquitacobbe - 08-29-2012
Great info Publius. I am debating myself right now between SL and CLEPS for the English Comp I & II. Not sure which would be the better route. Any thoughts from anyone?
On SL how do you make up points if you failed or scored very low on other quizes/tests?
CLEP vs StraighterLine - Westerner - 08-29-2012
chiquitacobbe Wrote:Great info Publius. I am debating myself right now between SL and CLEPS for the English Comp I & II. Not sure which would be the better route. Any thoughts from anyone?If you’re good at grammar, just write a few practice essays so you know you can get them out in under 30 minutes, study up a little on citations, and you’ll be good to go for the Clep College Composition.
On SL how do you make up points if you failed or scored very low on other quizes/tests?
CLEP vs StraighterLine - cookderosa - 08-29-2012
johnami Wrote:Any thoughts on CLEP vs StraighterLine? Granted, if one knows the subject matter, CLEP is probably quicker. Otherwise, is one considered "better" than the other? Easier, quicker, etc?
Thanks!
almost 3000 colleges award credit for a passing CLEP score, SL is accepted about about 20 colleges.
CLEP vs StraighterLine - johnami - 08-29-2012
This is a great point. In my case, I just want to get a AS or BS from anywhere for employment purposes, so TESC works fine for me and so SL would also. For others, that may be a reason to go CLEP.
Thanks!
BTW, I am constantly amazed how helpful everyone is here. Hope to be able to pay it forward soon.
cookderosa Wrote:almost 3000 colleges award credit for a passing CLEP score, SL is accepted about about 20 colleges.
CLEP vs StraighterLine - Publius - 08-29-2012
chiquitacobbe Wrote:On SL how do you make up points if you failed or scored very low on other quizes/tests?
By that this I meant:
For example sake, say there are 4 tests, and each one is worth 250 points.
Test 1 (250 pts)
Test 2 (250 pts)
Test 3 (250 pts)
Test 4 (250 pts)
So all 4 tests are worth 1000 pts, and to receive credit at TESC you need on most classes a min score of 70% in the class. 70% of 1000 is 700 points.
Theoretically, you could ace the 3 of the tests, and bomb one of them, and still pass. Does that make sense?
What I've done in my SL tests is for my exams make my own min score for each test. In the example of 250 pts per test, you'd want to be hitting at least 175 out of the 250 (250*0.7=175). Granted, that's the bare minimum you could go if you scored 175 on all the tests.
I may be confusing folks, sorry. Basically, to receive credit, it's a grand total of all the tests you took. When you're done if it hits the minimum (for TESC it's 70%), you get the credit.
CLEP vs StraighterLine - chiquitacobbe - 08-29-2012
Thanks I think I got it. If you fail completely there is no retake like in ALEKS correct? You'd have to pay to take the course over again or take your chance and try the CLEP? I'm just not sure which would be better for the Eng Comp I & II. Hopefully decided soon. Thanks everyone for all the amazing information!
CLEP vs StraighterLine - AlbaTiVo - 08-29-2012
I remember reading on here that if you fail a SL course and retake it then your combined percentages from both attempts must add up to 70% or more; e.g. if you failed with a 60% score you would need at least 80% on your second attempt to average out to 70%.
CLEP vs StraighterLine - Publius - 08-29-2012
AlbaTivo is correct. If you fail a SL, the average of both attempts is averaged, and the average must be above 70%.
If you cancel or withdraw before a certain point in your course, it won't affect your second attempt (if you go for one). I THINK that it's 30% but I'm not sure. So if you only complete 27% of the course, cancel it, then down road attempt it again, your second attempt is just like the original (i.e. no averaging of the two scores).