To CLEP or not to CLEP

[NewSN13]

I'm getting ready to apply to my school's nursing program for Fall 2011. I have a BA in Political Science. One pre-req that I need is Sociology 101. With my first degree, I took a couple of classes that were general education requirements that fit the scope of an introductory sociology class (although they had funky, unique to that school course designations) as well as a couple of 300 level sociology classes. When I met with an advisor for the program at my current school, she signed off on the course descriptions on my lower level gen ed requirements as fullfilling the Soc 101 requirement but said that they would not submit an academic adjustment until I applied.

Throughout this whole process, I've taken control. My school admits based on GPA in A&P, chemistry and math. Applicants are rank ordered based on that GPA and the top 60 or so are admitted so I got As in those classes. I don't want to leave anything up to chance. That's where the decision to take the CLEP comes in. Although my previous courses are signed off on, it's not official. I look at my transcript and having that requirement not met is driving me batty. And I keep replaying advising horror stories I've heard over the years (not with my current program, just in general).

So I'm seriously considering taking the CLEP and being done with it. I took a practice test yesterday to get an idea what my baseline performance is and how much studying I would need to put in. I scored better than the minimum to be granted credit according to the ACE guidelines (which is what my school uses). So with a little studying, I should have no problem with the exam.

What would you do?

[Saysfaa]

Depends.

First, I would check that your school will accept that CLEP test and whether the nursing program will. I've recently run into a snag where the university is fine with CLEP credits but the program requires all prereqs (the specifically named ones, not the "and an additions x number of credits ones) have a letter grade. I will talk to the advisor soon but it looks like my CLEPs will not work because they are pass/fail.

Next, I would check whether you need all prereq completed before you apply. If not, I would check when your school offers CLEP tests (mine offers them every week except the month of May, weird). If I could take it after finding out if it worked officially and before nursing classes started, then I'd wait and see and take it later if necessary.

If I needed all the prereqs done before applying and the school and program accepts that CLEP test and I had the $70, then I'd just take it as soon as possible for the peace of mind.