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

[Jonathan Whatley]

Thanks so much for all of the additional information everyone! So, I have made up a plan for myself—basically what rebel100 suggested, plus a few extra tests to fulfill my general education credits (DSST Principles of Public Speaking, American Government CLEP, and DSST Technical Writing). I think I will look at the specific UL classes that I will need to take after I have completed most or all of the testing credits.

Now I have a few more questions—sorry! It sounds like it would be better for me to start testing on my own before I sign up at COSC, is that right? I was kind of wondering how that works…where would I send the credits when I take the exams? Or do the CLEP, DSST, and ECE people all hold them indefinitely until I request a transcript?

The advantage of delaying enrollment would be that you'd save the College Fee of $228 per semester ($171 for CT residents).

CLEP saves scores for 20 years. DSST I believe saves scores indefinitely – there's a form on their website to request military transcripts from before a record system change in 1974. Your ECE and UExcel scores will be saved on an Excelsior College transcript, and TECEP pass results on a Thomas Edison State College transcript, and like college courses on transcripts these should be retained indefinitely.

Also, does COSC assign any or all of those exams a letter grade?

COSC doesn't assign letter grades to CLEPs, TECEPs, and DSSTs with three-digit scores (including the new form of Principles of Public Speaking – double-check with your testing center or DSST if you want to know specifically which form your testing center offers).

COSC does assign letter grades to DSSTs with two-digit scores (including Technical Writing), and all ECEs and UExcels.