TESU - when to apply?

[Clepper43]

Forgive me - this is a newbie question! I have lurked and searched quite a bit and not found the answer. My son is applying to TESU, probably in English. He has an associates and some of that is CLEP credit. Should he apply to TESU and then do all the alternative credits to fulfill degree? Or should he try to get credits first and then apply? 

It seems (again, sorry) that he should apply first and then he would know what he needs to do for the rest of the degree? 

I see SDC offers 1 month free if you are enrolling at TESU, but do you do that after you take SDC courses?

Or do you enroll at TESU only when you are ready to do the final capstone? I am aware of the encouragement to do it before July 2019 as it is turning into a 3 credit course. 

Thanks for any help!