Anyone taken any CLEP/DSST/DANTES exams?

[treehugger]

Any tips or advice?

The bachelor's program that I am trying to qualify for in September (I don't currently have enough units) accepts up to 30 units from these tests. I have gone through their catalogs and gotten my choices approved by the college, but now I need to buy the study guides and start preparing. Just thought I would check to see if anyone has any prior experience.

Thanks,

Kara

[Tussiemussies]

Hi Kara, don't have any experience about this but was just curious -- what are these tests about? Christine

[treehugger]

These are proctored, college-level exams that give college credit (3-6 units) for a variety of subjects. Some colleges accept these exams in lieu of a course, when determining eligibility for admission or graduation.

Since I don't yet have the minimum number of transferable units to get into the program I want, I am planning to study for an take some of these tests. Assuming I pass them, it will be much quicker and much less expensive than taking whole courses. The tests are only $80 each, plus study materials. Whereas at the local community college, courses are $138 each plus books, parking, etc.

Kara

[Spartana]

I took several of the Clep tests when I was in the armed forces. Can't remember which ones but 2 courses of American History, some kind of social science, a health one and ...um... some others. All of them were good towards my general ed requirements for both a two year and 4 year degree. Saved me a huge amount of time (and money) when in college. I don't know who mauch they cost though as the military paid for mine. It was really the only way we could go to "school" with the kind of jobs we had. I highly recommend them.

[rodeosweetheart]

I took one a few years ago when applying for nursing school; I had a graduate course in Human Growth and development but not an undergrad, and they wanted proof of undergrad. I bought the study guide and studies for 6 weeks and passed the CLEP, and it was given at the local community college and cost 75 dollars. A great deal. I strongly urge you to go for it--I just gave that advice to a nursing student who was in my Psych class and she took 8 weeks and passed her CLEP and save 1500 dollars and a lot of class time, so go for it.