I'm new and could use some advice and help.

[burresjm]

Hello everyone! I have been lurking here for quite some time, trying my best to work out a college plan for myself. I feel overwhelmed, so I thought it would be a good idea to go ahead and join. Maybe you guys can help me out a little bit, if you don’t mind.

I would really like to get a Bachelor’s degree in English or something related (like Literature or Creative Writing). I completed an AA in English at a local state college before I knew much about alternate ways to get credit, though I did do college algebra through Straighterline back when it was partnered with Fort Hays.

After I graduated from my state college (I would have stayed there, but they don’t offer a BA in English), I enrolled at American Military University. I took one course there. I like the school a lot so far, but I can only take one class at a time because of the cost (I don’t qualify for aid), so it will take me a long time to graduate! I would prefer something a bit faster and cheaper if possible. I looked over the tests that APUS accepts for credit and was/am planning to take some CLEPs and a DSST, but I haven’t started studying for them yet. I am not sure if I would still benefit from those particular tests (listed below) if I do change schools.

I guess I am just hoping someone could recommend me one of the Big 3 (if any would be a better option than APUS), and maybe some CLEPs or other exams to take. Or just give me some kind of direction on how to complete my degree.

COSC looks like it might be my best option, but there are some class requirements that I’m not sure I would be able to fill since there aren’t tests for everything and COSC doesn’t offer all of the classes needed for their English degree (Shakespeare, for example). I was interested to see that they have a GRE option, but I wish they gave more information about it. Would that be a better way for me to go?

Excelsior looks good, but I am not sure about the degree actually being Humanities--Literature rather than just Literature or English--Literature.

TESC is out because I absolutely can’t/won’t do online proctoring, and it looks like they require ProctorU. I don’t really want to go into my reasons, but I strongly prefer in-person proctors. I would have no problem with either finding my own proctor or going back to my state college and paying a small fee to use their testing center, but I don’t think those are options at TESC.

You absolutely do not have to use ProctorU!! I just finished my last course with TESC, I've completed my BA in English. None of my English/Literature have had to have any proctoring at all. I used ProctorU for one class and absolutely hated it, they were rude and talked the entire time through my test! I know it was a mistake, they forgot to turn their microphones off, but even after I said something they still didn't do anything about it. Anyway, so after that, I chose to use my local library. It worked out really well. TESC was really great, I have had a few issues with them, but nothing compared to the community college I went to. They have really helped, for instance I had one test to take and knew I wouldn't get it done before the April 1st graduation deadline, so I called them and they gave me an extra month. Good luck!