My CLEP Test Experience

I am not sure when I first heard about CLEP tests, but I immediately dismissed the idea and assumed it would not work out for me.  If only I had known at the time that I would have successfully benefitted from two CLEP tests.

Fast forward to my senior year of high school, I read Kathy Cooksey's His B.A. Was Only $8k: Quick, Fun, College For Ages 12-99 Years.  I was very inspired to at least try a CLEP test.  I figured I had nothing to lose except a little time and money.  Worst case, if I failed the test, I would be extra prepared for the classes that I was trying to test out of.  I first set my sights on the Introductory Psychology CLEP test.  I started studying for it in May of my senior year and took it three months later in August.  I was ecstatic!  A few months after successfully passing this first one, I decided I wanted to attempt a second CLEP test.  This time, I wanted to take the Introductory Sociology CLEP test.  I studied for this second test over Christmas break (about four weeks) and passed it successfully as well.  Six college credits with only a few weeks of studying!  The tests were not easy, but they were not impossibly hard either.  With some dedicated study time, they are definitely doable.  I now personally know a family whose son obtained his degree by only taking CLEP and DSST exams.  Pretty amazing!

To prepare for each of the two CLEP tests, I bought the REA CLEP study guides for the respective tests (about $20 each on Amazon) and two months access to Instantcert online flashcards ($20 a month).  These were the only resources I used, which cost roughly $80 in total.  Even with these expenses and the cost of the tests themselves, it was still exponentially cheaper than paying for six college credit hours plus textbooks.  If you are looking to save money on college, CLEP tests are the way to go.  

Looking back, I have nothing but great things to say about the entire experience.  Receiving inexpensive college credit from the convenience of my home was unrivaled.  Another advantage of CLEP tests is you do not need to have already graduated from high school to start earning college credits.  Additionally, the tests are pass/fail.  If you pass the test, you receive credit for that course.  If you don't pass the test, the failed attempt does not show up on your college transcript.  I recommend checking with your college of choice to ensure they accept CLEP credit and that it counts towards your degree requirements.  As a nursing student, obtaining my degree solely through CLEP tests is not possible.  However, I was still able to benefit from taking the two tests that I did.  I highly recommend looking into CLEP tests to see if they will work for you and your program of study.

Did Homeschooling Prepare Me for College?

As a home-school graduate finishing my sophomore year of college, people are often surprised when they hear I was homeschooled.  I am quite frequently asked: "Did homeschooling prepare you for college?" The short answer: Yes!  I wholeheartedly believe the reason I have done well in college is attributable to my years of homeschooling.  I could elaborate for days, but these are the highlights of how homeschooling benefitted me in my first year of college.

Years of homeschooling taught me to take control of my schoolwork, manage my time effectively, and be an independent learner.  My parents were always more than happy to answer questions or provide guidance where needed, but I was encouraged to take on my education as my own.  As a result, I have never struggled with self-motivation or time management in college. Once you start college, no one is there to stand over you to check that you read your assigned chapters, completed your homework, or if you have studied for your upcoming tests. 

From being homeschooled, I was already comfortable interacting with various age groups which has been indispensable since starting college.  I was completely confident from the beginning communicating with professors, staff, and students, yet watched other public-school graduates struggle with this.

Thanks to Lessons Worth Learning Classes for homeschoolers, I had already read many college-level classic books and had strong foundations in writing.  Apologia's science textbooks are incredible and prepared me exceptionally well for my college science classes.  My Apologia chemistry textbook was more difficult than my college-level Intro to Chemistry textbook at a distinctly science-driven university.  Except for one chapter on organic chemistry in my college textbook, I was already familiar with all topics covered in my college chemistry class.  

Needless to say, I highly recommend homeschooling for effective college preparation.

An Interview With A Real-Life Homeschooler: Elisabeth

Age: 14

Grade: 8th

What is your favorite school subject? “Probably either math or history, but I do like science, too”

What are your hobbies/interests?  “My hobbies include playing piano and composing piano pieces, ballet, and ballroom dance.  I also like listening to classical music and I might want to learn to play the violin.”

What do you love about being homeschooled?  “I can sleep in and do schoolwork anywhere in the house, whether it be on my bedroom floor or outside, as opposed to sitting at a desk all day.  I can also choose curriculum based on my likings and interests.”

What benefits do you have since you’re homeschooled?  “I am raised in a Christian worldview and have my parents as my teachers - academically and spiritually.  My siblings and I also have more time for family, unlike the average school kid who’s always booked up with homework.”

What are your thoughts on the homeschooling myth/lies such as socialization, for example?  “I can see this concern because public-schooled kids are around kids their age all day long.  But homeschooled students have multiple options for socialization such as church and church gatherings, dance, sports, etc.  Just because they aren’t around kids their age all day doesn’t mean they are not socialized.”

What would you tell someone who is thinking about homeschooling, but is not quite sure?  “Do it!  Pursue it!  It is much better than being in public school where the kids are separated from the whole family five days a week for many hours.  There, the child is not learning the Christian worldview that you could be teaching at home.  Don’t stress about it; it’s not that complicated.  Public schools are failing, but by more people homeschooling it can become something big and wonderful used for God.”

Many thanks to Elisabeth for her honest and thoughtful answers!

An Interview With A Real-Life Homeschooler: Ethan

Age: 11

Grade: 5th

What is your favorite school subject? “Science.”

What are your hobbies/interests?  “Programming Lego robotics, making and flying model rockets, and designing and flying paper airplanes.”

What do you love about homeschooling?  “My schedule is flexible and customized to me, and I can spend time on things I like doing.”

What benefits do you have since you’re homeschooled? “My schoolwork is made for my likes and interests.  If there’s something I’m interested in learning about, it can count towards school.  I also don’t have to eat cafeteria food.”

What are your thoughts on the homeschooling lies/myths such as socialization, for example?  “That’s all wrong!  You can finish schoolwork faster so you have more time to be with other people at activities and such.”

What would you tell someone who is thinking about homeschooling, but isn’t quite sure? “Scheduling is awesome!  You can spend time learning about what you are interested in, and still have plenty of time to spend on other activities and hobbies.  You can also work ahead and finish earlier than planned!”

Many thanks to Ethan for his time and honest answers!