Jumping in, HELP!!

[snazzlefrag]

At 36 years old, I have decided to pursue a degree.

I have been researching the best way to do so and I believe that "Testing Out" is the quickest and most affordable option. I signed up with Instacert to help me study so I can obtain credits quickly thru CLEP and DAANTES.

I would like to get opinions on the best school to do this through, right now I am considering Exelsior or Charter Oak, should I look at any others?

I am having a hard time deciding on what type of degree I want, I currently work in Law Enforcement, my coworkers and others tell me that a degree in criminal justice is useless. Is this true?

I am thinking about a business degree, but my math skills are 6th grade at best.

I would eventually like to attend law school, right now it is only a thought, I don't know if obtaining a degree mostly thru testing will be acceptable for admission.

Any advice, tips or techniques would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Hi Susitna1,

There is nothing wrong with being 36 and going back to school to get your degree. Heck! Some of US might even be that old!
hilarious

Other than Excelsior and COSC (Charter Oak), the other "Big 3" school that would allow you to test out of your entire degree is Thomas Edison State College (TESC).

http://www.excelsior.edu

http://www.charteroak.edu

http://www.tesc.edu

They are all excellent choices and we have students from each school right here on this board.

I have personal experience with Excelsior's degree requirements and can therefore recommend this school to you. However, all three schools would meet your needs.

Many Law Schools actually prefer their students to have a General Studies/Liberal Arts background because it shows them that you are well rounded. So I think a Liberal Arts degree from any of the Big 3 would serve your goals well.

You will need to earn at least SOME math credits to get a degree. But the Big 3 are very flexible in allowing you to fulfill their math requirements for a Liberal Arts degree. A Business degree, on the other hand, would require a minimum of "College Algebra". So that's something to consider.

There are numerous ways to fulfill the various credit requirements for the Liberal Arts degree. We will certainly be able to help you choose the best exams to take. Most people don't actually enroll in a particular school until they have already earned a bunch of their general education credits. This will save you having to pay the yearly enrollment maintenance fees while you build up your credits. Then, when you get closer to fulfilling all the requirements, you can enroll in the school that best suits your needs, and simply 'plug in' all the credits you have already earned.

Anyway, I wish you well in your journey. Don't hesitate to ask a ton of questions and pick everyone's brains. We're all here to help each other along.

My own recommendation, based on your stated goals, would be to go for a BS Liberal Arts from Excelsior. But I'm sure others will chime in with their own ideas and suggestions. At the end of the day, you will be the one to make the final decision based on what is best for YOU.

Good luck, and welcome to the board,
Snazzlefrag