CLEP exam question

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Specializes in Oncology, OCN.

Anyone with experience with taking CLEP exams for pre-req credits? My back up school I plan to apply for requires a chemistry course within the last 10 years. My 16 credits of chemistry from my previous degree is all more than 10 years old so I need to either take a general chemistry class or take the CLEP exam for chemistry.

Just taking a gen. chem class would be easier but much more expensive so I'm leaning strongly towards just getting the study guide, doing lots of review, and just taking the exam.

I'm going to contact the school and ask them what their specific requirements are but I was wondering how well you have to do on the exam to earn the class credit. Is it just factored as pass/fail? What I really need to know and that is information I'll have to get from the school is when I have to take the exam by. I'm applying for fall admission and you are able to be taking classes in the spring. I'm hoping I can wait at least February to start worrying about this after I finish my current class, take the HESI A2, and finish my application to my first choice school. Applications for my back up school are due later.

Basically any advice or experience on doing CLEP for chemistry?

Thanks.

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Hi,

I have not taken any CLEP exams, but heard from others who have. The general picture is, each institution is different: some may accept your grade for a pre-req course after you have passed the CLEP, some may not. Best bet for you is to see an advisor and ask such specific questions. Also, if the school you will be applying to does accept CLEP for pre-reqs, make sure you get a letter grade, not just pass/fail, because the grade will need to reflect on your GPA, while with pass/fail it is impossible.

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Specializes in Oncology, OCN.

I already know from the info session I attended back in Feb/Mar that they accept CLEP exams for the Chemistry credit so I just need to follow up and ask about the details. When I have to take the exam by, how well I have to score, etc.

I don't think you'd be able to get a letter grade equivalent for a CLEP exam. You just get credit for completing the class, doesn't have a positive or negative effect on your GPA. If I was worried about boosting my pre-req GPA it would matter but I'm fine with it.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

My CLEPs (back when the Earth's crust was still cooling) were only 'pass-fail'. I got the credit, but there was no impact at all on GPA.

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Its Pass or Fail. I took Psychology CLEP and passed. I would seriously recommended buying a book and studying for it. It's not easy. Good luck.

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Specializes in Oncology, OCN.
Its Pass or Fail. I took Psychology CLEP and passed. I would seriously recommended buying a book and studying for it. It's not easy. Good luck.

Absolutley, I wouldn't pass without studying. Been too long since I covered the material in the detail needed.

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