Looking Into Options

[dfrecore]

So I have a question: If for now I just want to get GE out of the way and get an AA does it matter what college I use? In order to get enough credit due I take all the CLEP exams available? I would rather take the CLEP route for an AA than traditional because with work and such I think it will take me longer than 2 years to get the 2 year degree.

I think for now I'll go for an AA since I don't know what I want to do for a career. All I really care about is that my job pays enough to support myself and also has enough time off that I can travel for a decent amount of time during the year.

Would you recommend CLEP for an AA? I'll be taking a look at other posts in the forum but I was also wondering: Do I have to be enrolled in a college to take a CLEP exam or can I just pay the money and show up?

Yes, you have to choose a college which will accept CLEP exams. You have to look at the college you want your AA from in order to determine what they will accept, not all accept CLEP/DSST exams, not all will let you get your AA without taking a certain number of credits at their school. The Big 3 will all let you test out of an AA, with the exception of a cornerstone (COSC and TESU), or possibly a capstone (depends on the degree program). TESU (in my opinion) is too expensive for an AA, the $2,000 residency waiver is pricey. EC requires a capstone for most of their AA's I think, which is expensive (full tuition cost for the course). COSC is probably your best bet out of the Big 3, they require a cornerstone, but their tuition is the cheapest of the 3.

Another option is the AAS at WV something or other, can't remember what the name of the school is, but I think it's free to enroll, transfer in your credits, and graduate. Very inexpensive to get your degree there.

One thing to keep in mind though, is that with most jobs, an AA does not really get you anything. In HR, I rarely saw a job where only an AA was required. So if I were you, I would go look at jobs that you're interested in, and see if the AA is required for it (and which AA that is). A general AA where you get all your Gen Ed's done is rarely a help in the job market.

You do not have to be enrolled at a school to take a CLEP exam.