Start researching CLEP early.

CLEP stands for "College-Level Examination Program" and using the program can save your months of work and thousands of dollars. You have to get approval from your academic councilor to take a CLEP class, and you'll need some time to study for a course.

Looking into CLEP early will allow you to take full advantage of the course. I waited to long and could not CLEP out of courses because I had finished my low-level classes already.

Ask your academic councilor what classes you can CLEP out of and start studying.

More info: About CLEP

There are things to do before you begin any class. First, make sure you have the right software. This means the best versions of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. You can buy them from the UoP Website at a discount. Don't try to go at it without those three programs.

Also, make a back-up plan. Computer breakdowns are seldom good excuses for missing deadlines so be ready with another computer or your friend's computer. Check out the nearest library to see if you can log into class from there. Check ahead of time at work to see if you can use business computers for classes.

Also, let your family know you're going to need thier help. At the very least, you'll need quiet time for several hours up to four days a week. In some classes, it can be longer. Algebra can take up to 40 hours a week for some students.

Business, teaching, and non-medical degrees will be especially APA-intensive. Other degrees will still require a working knowledge of APA standards. Do not underestimate the importance of this. Every single class you take will have the potential of have APA standards being used.

I had to write essays in algebra and statistics that needed APA formatting. You cannot hide from it!

Right now the Gregg Manual ($30) and the Manual of the American Psychological Association ($27.95) are the publications of choice for writing standards for the University of Phoenix. I don't own either. I have an old-school Little Brown Compact Handbook that has done just fine. Judging from the students in my recent learning teams, I would say going back the the LBCH might be a good idea...

Anecdotal observations aside, you still need to learn how to properly and professionally format papers. Get the required manuals and study them. For help, reference the APA Style site and formatters like the Son of Citation Machine.

Although APA formatting is supposed to be a universal standard, it's not. Take note any quarks and preferences your facilitator/ teacher has and learn from feedback on your papers.

Learning teams are the back-bone of UoP learning. It places you in a situation that will test your communication, leadership, and participation skills.

Some of your learning teams will be a blessing, others will be functional, and still others will be a nightmare. Just be prepared for anything, including doing most of the work yourself.

There is no quick and simple list of how to deal with your learning team. Check in daily, ask for clarification of deadlines, roles, and assignments, and get ready to put out fires.

Watch what you post because things can be misread or misunderstood. That is, be very very clear.

It's just like real life.

After working ten hours, arguing with the wife, and running the kids to dance class/ swim class/ whatever class, I'm just to wiped out to start work on a 1,400 word essay (with a minimum of three references). But skipping a day means falling behind and having to work no matter how tired I am. So, to keep plodding along, I'll do the following that don't take much brain power:

Format: You have to get your Word page formatted for the essay, which can take up to an hour. Simply formatting (margins, title page, reference page, running header) is a no-brainer and can save you a good chunk of time later.

Copy and paste the essay requirements into the formatted paper and research some references if you have the energy. Putting together a beginning outline and coming up with a title can really move the essay along.

Read: Actually reading the materials will make your life easier. Even if you just skim the .pdf (Acrobat) texts, you'll at least get a good idea about the material, like the general things you'll need for the upcoming essay or discussion question. E-texts can be loaded on a PDA/ Blackberry for toilet reading or reading on break at work.

Comment: Work on participation points and get some of your requirements out of the way. Usually three sentences is all you need and a sleepy, stressed out disposition can actually help by freeing you of some biases or creating focus. Comment on another comment if you are really burned out.

Although most classes require only four days of work, try to get in five and use the simple examples above if you're to tired to think.

AO: Assignments Only (folder)
DQ: Discussion Question
LT: Learning Team
PPP: PowerPoint Presentation

Deliverable: Assignments that are turned in for points; DQs, essays, simulations, charters, etc.

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