I posted this question in the pre-nursing student forum, but it didn't get any responses. I thought maybe people in the distance learning forum would have more experience with CLEP tests.
I'm applying to Nursing for next fall. I've gotten credit for some of the pre-requisites already, from a degree I have in nutrition. However, there are still a couple of classes that I need to take. I have to take one semester of English composition, Sociology, an arts/humanities elective, and A&P2. I'm thinking about taking a CLEP test for English, Sociology and Humanities, because I want to free up my schedule a bit next semester. The school I'm applying to does grant credit for CLEP tests. But I am wondering if it would be more useful to take the classes rather than the CLEP test? Has anyone taken these CLEP tests? How difficult are they, and did how did you prepare for them? I've heard that the English CLEP is the hardest. Would I be better off taking this in the classroom?
I used the REA Clep series. You can find them at any book store, or cheaper on Amazon and Ebay. I also used a website www.degreeforum.net, and you can find info on clep tests from those who have taken them.
This string is old but just want to add my 2 cents: I am very pro-CLEP. Here is my story: Several years ago, I was working on a liberal arts degree and transferred from one university to another because the first (a well-regarded land-grant university) eliminated my major. The "receiving" university had no problem accepting me (and my tuition) but once I got there, they wanted me to repeat all these courses I had taken. I said "no way!" and we were about at an impasse. After scouring the college catalog, I realized that the receiving university accepted CLEP tests so I said I will take the CLEP tests and if my score is good enough, that should resolve the matter, right? The super-cranky transfer adviser grudgingly admitted that that would resolve the matter but added that she doubted I would do well enough to pass! Because of time constraints, I took them "cold turkey" (no preparation) and scored very well - which resolved my issue with the school but left me thinking why did I torture myself with all that class time and homework when I could have cut my time in school by... like.... a year!! It was water under the proverbial bridge at that point but it made me true believer. I highly recommend trying them. Worst case: you don't pass, you are out about $100 for the test and you decide to take the classroom version. No great loss in the course of a college education. Now that I am back in for a second nursing credential, I am definitely planning to CLEP anything I can. Good luck!
Take English and clep the rest. Eng Comp isn't a subject conducive to online testing/learning and can be extremely difficult to communicate online. The others are learning some simple facts to regurgitate, quite frankly, much of which may already be 70% common sense.
I got an A in English IRL, but it was mostly homework based. 6 hours of my life wasted in class IMO- everything that was graded was done at home. I wonder if clepping Composition II is a good idea so I can focus more on my sciences.
Thank you for the link: Clep Forum. Very helpful! It was nice to see a forum dedicated to Excelsior and Charter Oak as well.
I just took the CLEP for Sociology, and I used a course from JumpCourse.com to study. The courses are all online, they have great videos and lots of practice quizzes, and I passed with flying colors!
Erikadawn RN
504 Posts
I used the REA Clep series. You can find them at any book store, or cheaper on Amazon and Ebay. I also used a website www.degreeforum.net, and you can find info on clep tests from those who have taken them.