Honors-to-CLEP Strategy
OK, before we get too far-----the "Honors-to-CLEP" Strategy is something CollegeDawg made up. We mean, just the name of it. This nearly identical strategy can be used with Regular High School classes along with AP courses as "Regular Class-to-CLEP" & "AP-to-CLEP". It's just a basic concept. We just liked the flashy name.
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So, as the title suggests, this Strategy will involve IMMEDIATELY taking the CLEP or DSST that corresponds to the HS class just taken (ex. Algebra, English, Any Science, World History, US History, Microeconomics etc...). So, BEFORE YOUR NEXT HS SEMESTER, make sure you check to see what subjects are available via CLEP/DSST exams on each of their sites.
*Remember, there are over 70 titles, and it definitely makes sense to align many of your HS classes with what's available (for both your Required Courses & Electives). And thanks to ModernStates.org, many of the CLEPs can be free by completing their ready-made
chapter quizzes on each subject.
Next, the use of “IMMEDIATLEY TAKE” might have been a tad aggressive. What I meant was, schedule the CLEP/DSST for a few days after the student’s HS final exam. Spend 4-5 days practicing on a professional prep site like Petersons.com or Study.com--so maybe 12-20 hours total prep time. This will IDENTIFY any portion of the test not covered in the HS class. Lastly, if necessary, take notes AND ASK YOUR TEACHER to help with those portions if you are still in that class (if not, hunt her/him down and ask for help).
*Note: The Test Prep Site info can be found here: Study Guides.
Remember, these are dirt cheap at like $40-$60 per month & cover all tests---so no excuses!
Here are the FOUR Specific Strategies:
*Along with how to use them AND WHY
1. Honors-to-CLEP
2. Regular Class-to-CLEP
3. AP-to-CLEP
4. AP-to-AP Test (Then take CLEP as backup or precaution)
*Note: DSST Exams are “implied” on all these Strategies
(since they’re basically the same---& account for many of the 70+ subjects offered).
1. "Honors-to-CLEP" Strategy (our favorite, but they’re all REALLY good)
* Taking an Honors class may be a less demanding workload then an AP class.
* The Honors class can now essentially have a “College Credit Exam” (via a CLEP/DSST test) available upon class completion---similar to how an AP class gets an AP exam. The advantages are you can take it NOW and get IMMEDIATE RESULTS in almost all cases.
* The Honors class has the added benefit of a more “in-depth” preparation for a test like this vs. your Basic High School class.
* BIG KEY: In many states you can get an extra 0.5 points toward your GPA with an Honors course. In some cases, like SC, it could even be a tad higher.
SIDE BAR: Why is the EXTRA 0.5 points toward your GPA important (for Honors Classes)?
Well, this impacts “College Costs” in another way (more on this later). But for now: Many states award some “Automatic Merit-Based Scholarships" for certain HS GPAs or CLASS RANKINGS upon graduation. BUT THESE ARE NOT JUST FOR THE SUPERSTARS! For most average-to-above average type students, it can equate to automatic annual scholarship money. These are usually VERY SIGNIFICANT—and are awarded for "reasonable" GPA's, SAT Scores, or Above Average class positions (like 3.0 GPA, 1100 SAT, Top 30% of your class). So, they are VERY ATTAINABLE for almost anyone, particularly if the student's “focus” on this starts in their Sophomore/Junior years or earlier.
Ex. In South Carolina, there is a “LIFE Scholarship” that gives a student $5000 annually (starting year 1), w/ a $2500 “STEM” kicker in years 2-4 if you choose a “STEM” related degree. In this state the requirements are meeting 2 out of 3 (3.0 GPA, Top 30%, 1100 SAT).
***So---up to $27,500 over 4 years---and you really don’t have to “compete” (or apply). BUT THERE’S MORE. Even if you miss out on this, you can qualify for the “HOPE Scholarship”, that provides around 3k. And….you can “HOPE” to get this upgraded to the “LIFE Scholarship” in
Year 2 of College if you meet the 30 hours completed and 3.0 GPA needed. What could be better?
2. "Regular Class-to-CLEP" Strategy
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*Almost identical to the above Honors-to-CLEP strategy
*HOWEVER, the Prep for the Exam (in class) might be a little less in depth
*Also, you won’t get that 0.5+ GPA “kicker” for Honors (or more for AP)
*On the plus sides, the classes may be easier to “Ace”, allow time for a few more activities, AND if you are diligent with the Petersons.com or Study.com short-term studying, you’ll earn that credit!
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3. "AP-to-CLEP" Strategy (then AP test later)
NOTE: OK, to be honest, this is our new #2 strategy under this category. It may even be #1 for a few of you Top 10%-ers.
Why? Well, it turns out it has several benefits (one we just realized).
*It's crazy, but we just learned that AP tests only happen in May. That’s great for those taking their finals FOR THAT SUBJECT in May. But what about the students that finished up those classes in December? I can’t imagine the amount of “testable” knowledge that’s lost in 5 months.
*So, let's take a CLEP IMMEDIATELY following December Finals (and yes, please study on Peterson’s or Study.com). You should be a sure thing AND get your results immediately.
*If you pass the CLEP/DSST, PLEASE still attempt the AP exam in May. There are additional benefits at some schools if you score a 5 (and sometimes a 4), where they will give you credit for 2 COLLEGE CLASSES.
Regardless, by taking the CLEP/DSST first it definitely takes the pressure off---and wouldn't that be nice? Just remember, not all Colleges take every CLEP/DSST exam (or apply them the same)---make sure you check out the Colleges on your "short list" first.
*So, what else do you get with these AP classes? Typically, you've got the possibility of earning the extra 1.0+ GPA kicker in many states. That's gonna help a ton when we get to the "Automatic Scholarships" portion of our "Cost Cutting Tricks" section.
*You also probably have the best exam preparation possible (to set a good foundation before your online prep)
*Lastly, why possibly waste all that HARD, DEMANDING, and STRESSFUL work you’ve done! Get the College credit RIGHT AWAY!
4. "AP Class – to AP Test – to CLEP Test" Strategy
(as a precaution or if you miss on the AP Exam)
*As the name suggests---this involves waiting to take the AP test---then taking the CLEP later if you do not pass. Or similarly, taking the AP exam, then IMMEDIATELY taking the CLEP while the Info is fresh. You'd at least get those results right away.
*Of course, you can use Strategy #3 & take the CLEP exam first immediately after completing the class if so desired (our preferred tactic)
*But, YOU CAN WAIT for the AP test results in June, then just use the CLEPs as a backup. We understand. Either way, you now have 2 chances….You’re welcome!
*Just FYI---The professional study sites we recommend for CLEPs/DSSTs also have AP Prep. You can use that along with the prep for the corresponding CLEP. Awesome! You AP types love to study!
*CONSIDER THIS THOUGH: Unlike the "AP-to-CLEP strategy" where you would study ONCE to get the credit, you could have to study 3 different times using the CLEP/DSST as a "back-up". Wait what? Yup. Say you take the class in fall, then study for your HS final. Then in May you re-prepare for the AP exam, then if you don't pass (results in mid-June), you now have to PREPARE AGAIN. Your call---but at least you now know you've got a "back-up option" if the whole AP exam thing doesn't work out!
SPECIAL DISCLAIMER:
The AP vs Honors vs Regular Class thing is a SCHOOL
COUNSELOR CONVERSATION, not a CollegeDawg thing!
Just to make sure we are clear...
**Lastly, Two IMPORTANT Footnotes---TO FINISH THIS UP**
1. There are often HIGHER "AUTOMATIC SCHOLARSHIP" awards for VERY HIGH GPA’s, CLASS RANKINGS, or SAT/ACT scores. Yeah, we know. Thus, max AP and Dual Credit classes and the "GPA bump" are recommended for that crowd. However, this site was mostly designed with the average/above-average student in mind (those that get LESS LOVE). We will, however, be addressing these "Automatic Scholarships" at all levels in great detail in the “Cost Cutting” section, along with some resources to identify many others for YOU. So yeah---almost all of our stuff still applies to you Top 10%-ers as well!
2. Parents (and self-disciplined HS & Adult Students):
If---(no when)---you join the professional sites Petersons.com or Study.com, you SHOULD NOT just use the practice tests to get ready. We discovered that thanks to a couple students we worked with recently. The sites have SHORT videos to clarify most topics, chapter quizzes, and “FLASHCARD” sections which are extraordinarily valuable. If those are mastered, YOU WILL PASS. If you skip them, you may just blow your one chance (some colleges do not allow re-tests). But yes, you might pass with minimal studying since you just took the class, but why not BE CERTAIN? Just review the material...