Thoughts on The College Network...

You will have to go thru Excelsior college no matter what ...

The college network will only supply you with study guides that will help you prepare for Excelsior college exams.

For example, if for a specific exam you have to read matherial from 3 textbooks of 500 pages each, college network have all the info condensed into 200 pages, which is good for you as you will have to spend less time reading. You will not need to identify which info is relevant for you in textbooks, as College network have already done it in their study guides.

My point is that College network do create good study guides, they just overpriced and you can get them on Ebay without spending a fortune.

But remember, COLLEGE NETWORK DOESNT GIVE COLLEGE DEGREE, ONLY EXCELSIOR DOES.

Before you start any program, you have to assess yourself if you can study independently with no deadlines, no one will tell you that "you have to study now".

I have seen so many people drop-out because they can't do a distance learning

Good luck!

Lisa,

You think as I think!

Good information. Thank you all very much! I have done distance learning before (business classes a couple of years ago) and it worked really well for me. I didn't know that you could buy the guides off Ebay. Does EC tell you what to buy or do I just search Ebay for on TC guides?

Good information. Thank you all very much! I have done distance learning before (business classes a couple of years ago) and it worked really well for me. I didn't know that you could buy the guides off Ebay. Does EC tell you what to buy or do I just search Ebay for on TC guides?

The list of books that you need can be found at the EC bookstore. Go there and get the ISBN# and search Amazon, ebay and half.com to get them cheaper.

The list of books that you need can be found at the EC bookstore. Go there and get the ISBN# and search Amazon, ebay and half.com to get them cheaper.

I agree with everyone here. You do not NEED TCN to get an EC degree, they just try to lighten the load. I purchased TCN directly throught them at $495 per module for exams 3-7. I had already taken exams 1&2, by reading all the text required and using the EC content guides to GUIDE me, it took forever!

This is the trick to TCN, ALWAYS, print and refer to EC content guide to GUIDE your studying with the TCN. Since buying the modules in May I have taken and passed with all A's and 1 C exams 3, 4, 6, & 7. In 3 months I only have exam 5 left! YEAH:)

Best of luck!

This is the trick to TCN, ALWAYS, print and refer to EC content guide to GUIDE your studying with the TCN. Since buying the modules in May I have taken and passed with all A's and 1 C exams 3, 4, 6, & 7. In 3 months I only have exam 5 left! YEAH:)

Best of luck!

Wow it sounds like you are doing great!

Thank you all the advice and the encouragement. I cannot wait to graduate and sit for boards and move on and try EC out!

I have used nothing but the texts and EC study guides and I have a 3.8 index.

Go through the guide, stick a post-it at the front of each chapter you need to need as a bookmark, and read. If you don't understand it re-read it again or get someone to explain it.

:)

Edited to add: Use a small bit of the money you save NOT using TCN to take the practice tests.

I am presently looking into EC and/or TCN. And you guys are right...I can get all the study material I desire - for a fraction of the price off of Ebay. So with this being said - the only true advantage I can see is the fact that TCN has told me that they will finance all 7 of the NC tests....and EC will not. EC will financeyour ($895) enrollment fee and your ($1900) PNCE fee - but that's it. So if you really need to finance those tests fees...then yes - TCN - if NOT - go to EBAY!

Make sense?

I am presently looking into EC and/or TCN. And you guys are right...I can get all the study material I desire - for a fraction of the price off of Ebay. So with this being said - the only true advantage I can see is the fact that TCN has told me that they will finance all 7 of the NC tests....and EC will not. EC will financeyour ($895) enrollment fee and your ($1900) PNCE fee - but that's it. So if you really need to finance those tests fees...then yes - TCN - if NOT - go to EBAY!

Make sense?

You can "Lay Away" the NC test. They will break them up into 2 payments. But you can't take the test until you pay for them.

I am presently looking into EC and/or TCN. And you guys are right...I can get all the study material I desire - for a fraction of the price off of Ebay. So with this being said - the only true advantage I can see is the fact that TCN has told me that they will finance all 7 of the NC tests....and EC will not. EC will financeyour ($895) enrollment fee and your ($1900) PNCE fee - but that's it. So if you really need to finance those tests fees...then yes - TCN - if NOT - go to EBAY!

Make sense?

Sorry for the totally OT post but you only have 3 posts so no PMs. Anyway...OMG you live in Mt Vermin???? I'm from there too!!! Small world!

I had an appointment this morning with a rep from TCN, which I cancelled after hearing about being able to buy TNC books on eBay. The way I understand this is that after I get the material down, I challange the class.

However, I am confused about some things which I hope someone can clear up for me.

What is a NC test? And what does the PNCE fee involve? Also, how does CLEP figure in? Do I have to go through Excelsior to take tests, or can I challage classes at the local college?

Sorry to ask naive questions, just trying to make it on a non-existant income. Thanks to all who take the time to answer.