Passing the History of the United States I CLEP Exam
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Self Educate. Get Credit.
Prerequisites Required
The College Level Text Book You'll Need
Study by Chapter
- Chapter 1 notes, links and quizes
- History of the United States Before 1600
- Chapter 2 notes, links and quizes
- History of the United States 1600 -1685
- Chapter 4 notes, links and quizes
- History of the United States 1660s -1763
College Level Examination Program
The College Level Examination Program (or CLEP) is a series of examinations that test an individual's college level knowledge gained through course work, independent study, cultural pursuits, travel, special interests, military service schools, and professional development. [http://www.dantes.doded.mil/dantes_web/examinations/CLEP.htm] CLEP also offers international and home-schooled students the opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency in subject areas and bypass undergraduate coursework. The test is offered by the College Board. Approximately 2,900 colleges and universities will grant college credits for each test. Both U.S. and international schools grant CLEP credit. Most of the tests are 90 minutes long and currently cost $70 each[http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/reg.html] or are free to U.S. military service members and veterans.[http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/about.html] There is an additional fee of $10 for the optional essay portion of some of the exams. Each test usually corresponds to a one or two semester introductory course on the topic, though the Spanish, French, and German Language exams can be used to earn up to 12 credits.
CLEP exams are offered at testing centers on over 1,500 college and university campuses, as well as military installations. Most centers charge an administrative or registration fee per student or per test. Fees usually range from $15-20, though they vary among test centers.
CLEP tests are primarily multiple-choice exams (though some include fill-in or ordering questions, and one English Composition exam has an essay section) which are scored on a scale from 20 to 80. The majority of schools grant credit for a score of 50 or higher, but passing scores are determined by the individual schools and may vary. The schools are responsible for awarding the amount of credits you would receive for each test. The scores in the table below are endorsed by the American Council on Education as recommended credit-granting scores for each of the exams. On foreign language tests, the score will determine the amount of credit granted. For example, one university may grant 8 credits for a score of 50, 12 credits for a score of 62 and 18 credits for a score of 73.
Prepare for the Test
How Testing Out Can Make a Difference
This method of pursuing a degree allowed Tony the flexibility to study for exams even while deployed overseas. Much of what he studied has stayed with him. For instance, Tony studied and tested out of college level Spanish, and to this day he can speak the language fluently.
Using test-outs has allowed Tony to stretch his GI Bill beyond a four-year degree. Since he tested out of all of his undergraduate work, he is now applying his GI Bill to his MBA classes at the University of Phoenix where he is currently enrolled. Moreover, Tony's approach to learning as a way of life helped him transition out of the military successfully upon the end of his active service.
Tony's example inspired me to use a hybrid solution. After I got out of the Marines, I only had 13 months to complete an accelerated Associates program that normally would have taken 18 months. To make up the time, I followed Tony's example and used test-outs as a strategy to get four classes out of the way. I tested out of drawing, design, career development, and psychology. The strategy of self-study combined with college courses enabled me to earn an Associates degree when it would not have otherwise been possible.
Recommend a Book
If you have had success using different books and study guides, recommend them here.
Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson
Benjamin Franklin is my favorite founding father. more...2 points
The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave (Barnes & Noble C: An American Slave (Barnes & Noble Classics) by Frederick Douglass
Understanding America's struggle with slavery is e more...1 point
Recommend Online Resources
Recommend online resources that you find useful in studying for this subject or preparing for the test.
History of the United States - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Here is a quick overview from Wikipedia.2 points
My Recommendation of a Veteran Friendly College
- Excelsior College
- For veterans, active duty military personnel, and other students who have credits from many sources, Excelsior College is a good option for degree completion. They award credits for military training, test-outs, and are good about accepting credits from other accredited institutions.
Other Veteran Friendly Colleges
Not all colleges make it easy for veterans to pursue a degree. If you are going to a veteran friendly college, recommend it here.
Accredited Online University - American Military University (AMU) - Online Military Distance Learning Degree Programs, Military Studies, Intelligence Degree
American Military University is an accredited onli more...0 points
http://www.universityofphoenix-online.com
Every year, more working adults earn their college more...0 points
About the Semper Fi House
You do not have to be a veteran, however, to take advantage of the information in this lens or to test out of classes. Anyone with the motivation and drive to succeed can do it, and we encourage you to try.
Semper Studiosus
(Always devoted to learning)
My Thoughts on Education
The ongoing theme of my writings, derived from studying non-degreed learners from Benjamin Franklin to Steve Jobs, is that students should take personal responsibility for their own education.
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