Introduction to Alternative Credit
WHY CONSIDER ALTERNATIVE CREDIT?
Using alternative methods to earn college credit requires planning and strategy, but it can save a lot of time and money over the traditional method of earning a degree. While most articles on the internet focus on CLEP exams, the principles apply to other types of credit-by-exam. Many students use a combination of ways before enrolling in a four-year degree program. Credit-by-exam can be done during high school or after graduation. There is no minimum age for taking exams and credits can be saved or "banked" for 20 years from the exam date.
SOME ADVANTAGES AND CAUTIONS
"Saving Money With CLEP"
"CLEP Test: 10 Benefits for Homeschoolers"
Some Questions & Cautions
KEEP THE BIG PICTURE IN MIND
Each child is unique, and even children within the same family choose different paths to a career and/or degree. When considering alternative credit, don't fall into a trap of basing the decision primarily on finances. Also, don't feel pressure to sacrifice a student's rich high school experiences in order to "jump start" college. High school is a special time of maturation and growth. If a little or a lot of credit-by exam fits well within a student's plan and schedule, it can be beneficial. If it doesn't fit, college really can wait! We serve a BIG God and he can open doors in amazing ways. Carefully choose what's best for each of your students. And, if your student chooses to try it out and it doesn't work, it's OK.
EARNING CREDIT BEFORE AND/OR AFTER HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
For admission purposes, colleges most always consider credits earned prior to graduation different from credits earned after graduation. For example:
The issue above may be important for your student because Incoming freshman attending college on campus are eligible for merit-based scholarships and other awards that transfer students are not, or the monetary difference of the awards is significant. When comparing costs for a four-year degree, it's vital to understand the credit policies for each college under consideration. If the college's website isn't clear (and many aren't), ask a transfer admissions counselor to clarify by email.
The above said, many transfer students who have racked up a lot of credit-by-exam can save a tremendous amount of money and do just fine without the scholarships. It's important to do the research and pencil it out (see HELP TO NAVIGATE THE PROCESS below)
If a student plans to finish college through an online distance learning program, the issue of "incoming freshman" status becomes a mute point. Colleges very rarely give scholarships or awards to online distance learners as their online tuition is already considered "discounted."
WHERE WILL THE STUDENT FINISH A DEGREE?
Consider alternative credit options with the end in mind. Research the colleges where your student would likely finish a degree. Ask the questions presented in this article.
"BANKING" CLEP & DSST Credits
Typically, when a student takes take a CLEP or DSST exam, he/she may select up to four colleges where the scores will be sent. If the student would rather "bank" the credits, the student can just leave these college selections blank. The testing organization will safely keep the transcript on record. The only drawback is there will be fees (usually $10 - $20) to send the transcripts to colleges later.
Using alternative methods to earn college credit requires planning and strategy, but it can save a lot of time and money over the traditional method of earning a degree. While most articles on the internet focus on CLEP exams, the principles apply to other types of credit-by-exam. Many students use a combination of ways before enrolling in a four-year degree program. Credit-by-exam can be done during high school or after graduation. There is no minimum age for taking exams and credits can be saved or "banked" for 20 years from the exam date.
SOME ADVANTAGES AND CAUTIONS
"Saving Money With CLEP"
"CLEP Test: 10 Benefits for Homeschoolers"
Some Questions & Cautions
KEEP THE BIG PICTURE IN MIND
Each child is unique, and even children within the same family choose different paths to a career and/or degree. When considering alternative credit, don't fall into a trap of basing the decision primarily on finances. Also, don't feel pressure to sacrifice a student's rich high school experiences in order to "jump start" college. High school is a special time of maturation and growth. If a little or a lot of credit-by exam fits well within a student's plan and schedule, it can be beneficial. If it doesn't fit, college really can wait! We serve a BIG God and he can open doors in amazing ways. Carefully choose what's best for each of your students. And, if your student chooses to try it out and it doesn't work, it's OK.
EARNING CREDIT BEFORE AND/OR AFTER HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
For admission purposes, colleges most always consider credits earned prior to graduation different from credits earned after graduation. For example:
- Some four-year institutions will only admit a student as an incoming freshman if he/she has earned no college credits after high school graduation.
- Other four-year institutions have a threshold for credits earned after graduation. So, up to X credits earned after graduation and the student is a freshman. Beyond X credits the student is a transfer student.
The issue above may be important for your student because Incoming freshman attending college on campus are eligible for merit-based scholarships and other awards that transfer students are not, or the monetary difference of the awards is significant. When comparing costs for a four-year degree, it's vital to understand the credit policies for each college under consideration. If the college's website isn't clear (and many aren't), ask a transfer admissions counselor to clarify by email.
The above said, many transfer students who have racked up a lot of credit-by-exam can save a tremendous amount of money and do just fine without the scholarships. It's important to do the research and pencil it out (see HELP TO NAVIGATE THE PROCESS below)
If a student plans to finish college through an online distance learning program, the issue of "incoming freshman" status becomes a mute point. Colleges very rarely give scholarships or awards to online distance learners as their online tuition is already considered "discounted."
WHERE WILL THE STUDENT FINISH A DEGREE?
Consider alternative credit options with the end in mind. Research the colleges where your student would likely finish a degree. Ask the questions presented in this article.
"BANKING" CLEP & DSST Credits
Typically, when a student takes take a CLEP or DSST exam, he/she may select up to four colleges where the scores will be sent. If the student would rather "bank" the credits, the student can just leave these college selections blank. The testing organization will safely keep the transcript on record. The only drawback is there will be fees (usually $10 - $20) to send the transcripts to colleges later.
