What is a CLEP and how can it help your homeschool teen?
If you aren’t familiar with the College Level Exam Program, is enables students (homeschooled, adult learners etc..) to test out of standard college level subjects and gain credit without requiring them to sit in a classroom. CLEP’s offer a series of standardize tests that allow students to earn college credits without taking classes by showing proficiency. Not all colleges will accept credit earned this way (check with your teen’s school of choice), but for those that do, completing even a portion of credits through CLEP testing will save your student time and money. Exams currently cost $80, while a credited class can cost anywhere from $200-$900 per credit hour.
How does SpeedyPrep work?
SpeedyPrep offers complete web-based courses (24) that will prepare your student to take the exam in their chosen subject. Students do not have to purchase additional books or supplies. They offer a 100% pass rate money-back guarantee if your student finishes at least 90% of the program. The program utilizes a online fill-in-the-blank flashcard format, explanations to questions and short, information packed videos to assist students in achieving mastery of the given topic. Their progress is tracked throughout, and a progress bar indicates movement through concepts. Mastery of the subject studied is shown as the bar increases. Once the bar reaches 90-100%, the student may attempt the CLEP test at an independent testing center.
Here’s a quick sampling of the courses offered:
- College Composition
- Analyzing Literature
- American Literature
- Natural Sciences
- Biology
- American History
- Western Civilization
- Introductory Psychology
- Introductory Sociology
- College Algebra
- Spanish
- Principles of Microeconomics
- Principles of Marketing
How we are using SpeedyPrep
My daughter is a junior in high school, and has completed several AP classes, but due to an illness, she didn’t take all of the exams as planned for her sophomore year. She has decided that she would like to take a few of CLEP exams instead for these subjects. It is important to note that not all colleges will accept CLEP exams for credit, but many will. We are also viewing these tests as a way to verify on her transcripts the level of work she has completed so far in high school. She has decided to use this time to prep for the American Literature test.
We found this program very easy to use and had no problem at all logging in, getting started, and choosing a course of study. Please note, these tests cover college level material, similar to the AP exams and it is recommended that your student has a solid knowledge base in the subject before diving in. It is recommended for students 16 and older.
My daughter has found this to be an interesting and effective way to prep for the test. She has not completed the entire prep program for her first test yet, but she is getting there! She has found that although she had already covered much of the material in previous classes, the review is extremely helpful, and there always surprises in the form of information that is completely new to her. She plans to take the test at the end of this semester, taking a short break after the SAT and AP tests in early May.
For more information about earning college credit during the high school years, visit SpeedyPrep or connect with them on Social Media:
Facebook@speedyprep
Twitter @speedyprep
