College Admission Tests
Scroll down for information about PSAT, CLEP, DSST and many more!
ACCUPLACER
Many schools around the country use the Accuplacer as an entrance exam. In Texas, many comminut colleges are "open enrollment", meaning anyone can attend but students must take an entrance axam for placement purposes. The Accuplacer is one common test.
It is published by the College Board. You can find out more about the test, how it works, what to bring, and how to study at the College Board site: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/accuplacer/index.html
The Accuplacer exam is an approved college entrance placement test. It is designed to test your level of skill in reading, writing (includes an essay), and math. Accuplacer is completely computerized and results are immediate. The test is untimed, but usually takes 2-2 1/2 hours to test all sections. Please allow at least 3 hours for test completion.
Fee is usually around $29 for all 3 sections but varies for each school. Pay by check, money order or cash (bring exact amount). A picture ID is mandatory to test. It can be in the form of a driver's license, student ID, military ID, or passport.
If you do not pass all sections, you may be able to re-test every 10 days.
Students may wish to review basic concepts in reading, grammar, and algebra before taking Accuplacer, especially if they have been away from school for more than a year. There is not an official Accuplacer study guide, but many students find that a GED or THEA review book (available at the college bookstore, local bookstores and public libraries) is helpful in refreshing their basic skills. Below are sample questions that can show you how the Accuplacer exam is presented.
PSAT/NMSQT –
This is known to most people as the PSAT. This test may be taken during the sophomore year, but most students take this exam only once in fall of the Junior Year, usually in October. This is the test used to determine eligibility for National Merit Scholarship Program.
The PSAT is similar to the SAT I: Reasoning Test (SAT). It contains math and verbal questions plus a writing section. This test will help a student prepare for the SAT I. The Math Section has questions covering Algebra and Geometry, though a student does not need to have completed Geometry before taking the PSAT. The Verbal Section includes analogies, sentence completion and critical reading questions. The writing section covers identifying sentence errors, improving sentences and improving paragraphs.
The College Board’s web site has practice questions as well as additional information including how the exam is scored. For helpful information on the PSAT, go to www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html or http://www.collegeboard.com/parents/tests/meet-tests/21296.html. This test is administered by high schools to their students. Each school must turn in their order for the tests early in the fall. A few public schools allow home school students to test with their students, so call your local school board or high school to find out about their policies.
Some private schools will allow home school students to take the test with their students. Christian schools often allow home school students to test with their students. Contact the school nearest you no later that September 1st if you are interested in this test but are not sure if the schools allow home schoolers to test with them.
ACT Achievement Exam and SAT I: Critical Reasoning Exams
These exams are similar and most colleges will accept either one. Some things common to both are:
• Some colleges will take the highest composite score while others take the highest score for each part.
• Students may use a graphing calculator. Check the web sites to find out which type and brands of calculators are allowed and which are prohibited. You may want to have your student learn to use their calculator while completing Algebra and Geometry. This way he will be familiar with its functions prior to the test dates. Invest in a good calculator that your student can use throughout high school and college.
• Tests are administered at various sites throughout the area, usually at public high schools. Students from many schools may test at the same location
• Register directly with the testing organization – online or by mail. The student will indicate their preferred testing sites when registering. The testing service will send the student an admission ticket that confirms the testing site and date.
• Student must have photo ID and admission ticket on the day of the exam.
• It is recommended that some students take one of these exams once in sophomore year, but only if they are ready. To determine if your child is academically prepared for this test, use one of the many “test-prep” books available and have your child take the practice tests in the book or on-line. If his scores on the practice tests are high, he is ready for the real thing. If not, have him study the areas in which he is weak.
• Students should take one of these tests for the first time no later than spring of Junior year.
• Many public libraries have SAT I and ACT review books available. These are extremely helpful in preparing for the exams. You can order test prep books for the SAT I and SAT II from www.collegeboard.com as well. Prep books for the ACT are available at www.act.org.
• It is recommended that students complete at least one of these books before attempting the SAT I, SAT II or ACT. Taking the time to study the test prep books will allow the student to understand the layout and directions of the exam. Learning the directions for each exam will save the student valuable time when taking the actual exam.
Home school SCHOOL CODE FOR ACT - 969-999
EXPLORE®, PLAN®, and the ACT from ACT.org
ACT offers a number of tests geared toward students of different ages and academic levels.
• The EXPLORE® program—for 8th- or 9th- grade students
EXPLORE prepares help eighth- and ninth-graders for their high school coursework and their post–high school
choices. EXPLORE includes four multiple-choice tests covering English, mathematics, reading, and science.
EXPLORE tests have content similar to the PLAN and the ACT
• The PLAN® program—for 10th-grade students
PLAN serves as the midpoint check of academic progress in high school. It is designed to improve students'
preparation for education, training, and work after high school while they still have time to adjust their high school courses. PLAN has content similar to the ACT.
• The ACT® test—for 11th- and 12th-grade students
The ACT is America's most widely accepted college entrance exam. It assesses high school students' general
educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. The Writing Test, which is optional, measures skills in planning and writing a short essay.
Typically, students take EXPLORE in the 8th or 9th grade, PLAN as 10th graders, and the ACT as juniors or seniors.
All three test you in English, math, reading, and science. However, the material tested in each program gets more difficult. This is why the top scores are different.
Program Grade levelComposite Score Range
EXPLORE 
8 and 91 to 25
8 and 91 to 25PLAN 10 1 to 32
10 1 to 32ACT11 and 121 to 36
11 and 121 to 36ACT Assessment
The test has four parts: Reading, English, Math and Science Reasoning. PLUS an optional Writing Portion.
The ACT uses a grading scale of 1-36 for each part plus students will receive a composite score. The test consists of 215 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four and one half hours to complete.
It is offered five times each year – in October, December, February, April and June. In a few states it is offered in September as well. You need to register five to six weeks prior to the test date.
To accommodate the needs of colleges, the ACT added an optional 30-minute Writing Test to the exams beginning in February of 2005. Some colleges required this for students graduating in 2006 or later. Contact schools your student is interested in applying to and ask if they will require the Writing Test prior to your student taking the exam. You will want to do some extra prep work if so.
You can find out more about this test as well as information about college planning at www.act.org. This web site has information on test dates and sites. Practical tips on taking the exam, sample questions and preparation materials are also available at this site. Act.org has a terrific financial aid tool as well as a college search program. Check it out!
SAT Assessment
You can find out more about the test as well as register to take it at www.collegeboard.com.
The exam contains three parts – Math and Critical Reading Verbal plus a Writing section. Students will receive a score of 200 to 800 points for each part.
Go to www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/about/SATI.html for information on the types of questions on the exam. This site has all the information you will need regarding taking the SAT. The site also has full exams that students can download for practice.
The SAT exam is offered seven times each year – October, November, December, January, March, May and June. You need to register at least four weeks prior to the date you wish to take the exam. Cost is around $30.
Changes were made to the SAT. These changes took effect in March 2005. The Verbal section changed to Critical Reading and a new Writing Section was added. The new section covers grammar and has a required written essay. Analogies are no longer on the exam. The Math section was expanded. The exam now covers Algebra I and II plus Geometry. The old exam covered only two years of math – Algebra I and II. To find out more about the changes, go to the College Board web page and click on the link for news.
SAT II Subject Tests –
These are one-hour tests covering specific subjects. They may be taken at any time during high school.
Some private colleges require SAT Subject tests of all of their applicants. Home school students who plan to attend one of these schools would be wise to take at least four of these during high school. It is recommended that a student take each test when she completes the corresponding high school course. For example, as soon as your student completes Biology, have her study an SAT Subject Biology prep book and take the test at the next opportunity. You can find out more about the tests as well as register to take them at www.collegeboard.com.
These are offered on the same dates as the SAT, with the exception of March each year. The language exams with listening are offered only in November. Register at least four weeks prior to the test date. Students can take as many as three in one day.
This page was last updated: December 10, 2011
Home School for High School
with Kathleen Duncan
Since 2001
The information on this page was gleaned from many sources.
Before you rely on this to be
up-to-date, please check with the testing agencies and the college
your student is applying to.
Scroll down for info on ACT,
SAT, CBE and much more
NOTE:
PLAN, PSAT, SAT, ACT & SAT Subject Exams are used by colleges when evaluating applicants.
Students do not earn college credits by taking these exams.
CLEP, AP, DSST, & Excelsior Exams can be a tool for earning college credit.
SCROLL DOWN FOR INFO
ON EACH TYPE OF EXAM!
Hewitt Educational Resources
P.O. Box 9
Washougal, WA 98671-0009
www.hewitthomeschooling.com or
(800)348-1750
(PASS)
Seton Home Study School
1350 Progress Drive
Front Royal, VA 22630
(540)636-9990
www.setonhome.org
(CAT, CTBS)
Sycamore Tree
2179 Meyer Place
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
www.sycamoretree.com or (800)779-6750
(CTBS)
Thurber's Educational Assessments
www.thurbers.net or (919)967-5282
(CAT/5)
CREDIT BY EXAMINATION
Many families now use Credit By Examination to help their students earn college credit!
Below is information about various tests and helps for studying.
Information about CLEP & AP Exams
www.collegeboard.com
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/about.html
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html
Information about DSST Exams
http://www.getcollegecredit.com/
Information about UExcel Exams
http://www.uexceltest.com
Information on Excelsior Exams
https://www.excelsior.edu/Excelsior_College/Excelsior_College_Examinations
Information about the Independent and Distant Learning program at Ohio University
http://www.ohio.edu/independent/
Information about Thomas Edison State College Examination Program TECEP
http://tesc.edu/701.php
Helpful Web Sites - Help with Prep for CLEP, AP & DSST
http://instacert.com/
http://www.petersons.com/
http://clepprep.tripod.com/cleplessonplans/id4.html
http://ocw.mit.edu/high-school/
Highlights for High School to help US high school educators and students better use OCW resources.
http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/ocw-scholar/
OCW Scholar courses meet the needs of independent learners by delivering content in logical sequences
http://openstudy.com/
OpenStudy.com: a social learning network where students connect with other students studying the same things.
FREE Test Prep for Military Members and their families
http://www.nelnetsolutions.com/dod/
CLEP Yahoo Group –
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ClepForHomeschool/
ClepForHomeschool-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
CLEP EXAMS – from www.collegeboard.com
Getting Credit
Did you know that doing well on a CLEP exam can earn you the same amount of credit that you'd get if you took — and did well in — a semester- or year-long college course covering the same material? Read on to learn how to get credit for what you already know.
Before you take a CLEP exam, learn about your college's CLEP policy
Most colleges and universities grant credit for CLEP exams, but not all. There are 2,900 institutions that grant credit for CLEP and each of them sets its own CLEP policy; in other words, each institution determines for which exams credit is awarded, the scores required and how much credit will be granted. Therefore, before you take a CLEP exam, check directly with the college or university you plan to attend to make sure that grants credit for CLEP and review the specifics of its policy.
Where to find a college's CLEP policy
Typically, a college lists all its academic policies, including CLEP policies, in its general catalog. You'll probably find the CLEP policy statement under a heading such as Credit-by-Examination, Advanced Standing, Advanced Placement, or External Degree Program. If you can't find this information, ask the admission or registrar's office for a copy of the college's credit-by-examination policy.
How much credit can you earn?
Not all colleges award the same amount of CLEP credit for individual tests. Furthermore, some colleges place a limit on the total amount of credit you can earn through CLEP or other exams. Other colleges may grant you exemption but no credit toward your degree. Knowing several colleges' policies concerning these issues may help you decide which college to attend. If you think you can pass a number of CLEP exams, you may want to attend a college that will allow you to earn credit for all or most of them.
Minimum qualifying score
Most colleges publish the required scores for earning CLEP credit in their general catalog or in a brochure. The required score for earning CLEP credit may vary from exam to exam, so find out the minimum qualifying score for each exam you're considering.
Getting credit for general requirements
At some colleges, you may be able to apply your CLEP credit to the college's core curriculum requirements. For example, all students may be required to take at least six hours of humanities, six hours of English, three hours of mathematics, six hours of natural science, and six hours of social science, with no particular courses in these disciplines specified. In these instances, CLEP credit may be given as "6 hrs. English Credit" or "3 hrs. Math Credit" without specifying for which English or mathematics courses credit has been awarded. Find out before you take a CLEP exam what type of credit you can receive or whether you will be exempted from a required course but receive no credit.
Prior course work
Some colleges won't grant credit for a CLEP exam if you've already attempted a college-level course closely aligned with that exam. For example, if you successfully completed English 101 or a comparable course on another campus, you'll probably not be permitted to receive CLEP credit in that subject also. Some colleges won't permit you to earn CLEP credit for a course that you failed.
Additional stipulations
Important Note: The College-Level Examination Program has a policy that candidates may not repeat a CLEP exam of the same title within six months. Scores of exams repeated earlier than six months will be canceled and test fees forfeited.
Colleges usually award CLEP credit only to their enrolled students. There are other stipulations, however, that vary from college to college. Here are some additional questions to keep in mind:
Do you need to formally apply for CLEP credit by completing and signing a form?
Do you have to "validate" your CLEP score by successfully completing a more advanced course in the subject?
Does the college require the optional free-response (essay) section for the examinations in Composition and Literature as well as the multiple-choice portion of the CLEP exam you're considering?
Will you be required to pass a departmental test such as an essay, laboratory, or oral exam in addition to the CLEP multiple-choice exam?
Knowing the answers to these questions ahead of time will permit you to schedule the optional free-response or departmental exam when you register to take your CLEP exam.
Scores & Transcripts
Receiving, sending, and canceling scores
Receiving scores
Normally, you should receive your score report instantly with the exception of the English Composition with Essay.
Sending score reports
At the time you take the exam, you can indicate in test software the college, employer, or certifying agency that you want to receive your CLEP test scores. There is no additional cost for this service — your exam fee covers it. If you haven't decided by the time you take the test which institution you want to receive your scores, leave that item blank.
Canceling
If you don't want your scores reported, notify the administrator before you complete the exam. You will be asked to verify that you want your score canceled in the testing software. You CANNOT cancel your scores once you've seen your instant score report.
What your score means
Your score report shows the total scaled score for each exam you took. Total scaled scores fall between 20 and 80.
Comparing scores
CLEP exams are developed and evaluated independently and are not linked to each other except by the Program's common purpose, format, and method of reporting results. For this reason, direct comparisons should not be made from one CLEP exam to another. Nor are CLEP scores comparable to SAT® scores or scores of other tests that use similar scales.
Exam Descriptions
CLEP examinations cover material taught in courses that most students take as requirements in the first two years of college. A college usually grants the same amount of credit to students earning satisfactory scores on the CLEP examination as it grants to students successfully completing that course.
Many examinations are designed to correspond to one-semester courses; some, however correspond to full-year or two-year courses. Unless stated otherwise in its description, an examination is intended to cover material in a one-semester course.
Each exam is 90 minutes long, and, except for English Composition with Essay, is made up primarily of multiple-choice questions; however, some exams do have fill-ins.
Each description now includes specific information on knowledge and skills required and study resources.
DSST EXAMS
From http://www.getcollegecredit.com
DSST is an effective method to provide your college with evidence of prior learning. In fact, the 37 exams available at a competitive fee compliment other credit by exam programs such as CLEP. Prior Learning Assessment will help you accelerate your path to degree completion while saving you the time it takes to sit through a course as well as the additional dollars spent on tuition.
Today, there are many educational alternatives to the classroom—you can learn from your job, your reading, your independent study, and special interests you pursue. You may already have learned the subject matter covered by some college-level courses.
The DSST® Program is a nationally recognized testing program that gives you the opportunity to receive college credit for learning acquired outside the traditional college classroom. Colleges and universities throughout the United States administer the program, developed by Prometric, yearround. Annually, over 90,000 DSSTs are administered to individuals who are interested in continuing their education. Take advantage of the DSST testing program; it speeds the educational process and provides the flexibility adults need and makes earning a degree more feasible.
Since requirements vary college to college, please check with the credit-awarding institution before taking a DSST. More than 1,800 colleges and universities currently award credit for DSSTs, and the number is growing every day. You can choose from 37 test titles in the areas of Social Science, Business, Mathematics, Applied Technology, Humanities, and Physical Science. A brief description of each examination is found on pages 5 through 6 of this booklet.
Reach Your Career Goals Through DSSTs
Use DSSTs to help you earn your degree, get a promotion, or simply demonstrate that you have college-level knowledge in subjects relevant to your work.
Save Time...
You don’t have to sit through classes when you have previously acquired the knowledge or experience for most of what is being taught and can learn the rest yourself. You might be able to bypass introductory-level courses in subject areas you already know.
Save Money...
Bypassing classes that you earn credit for through the DSST Program enables you to save money on your way to earning your degree. You can use the funds instead to make more advanced courses that can be more challenging and rewarding.
Improve Your Chances for Admission to College
Each college has its own admission policies; however, having passing scores for DSSTs on your transcript can provide strong evidence of how well you can perform at the college level.
Gain Confidence Performing at a College Level
Many adults returning to college find that lack of confidence is often the greatest hurdle to overcome. Passing a DSST demonstrates your ability to perform on a college level.
Make Up for Courses You May Have Missed
You may be ready to graduate from college and find that you are a few credits short of earning your degree. By using semester breaks, vacation time, or leisure time to study independently, you can prepare to take one or more DSSTs, fulfill your academic requirements, and graduate on time.
If You Cannot Attend Regularly Scheduled Classes...
If your lifestyle or responsibilities prevent you from attending regularly scheduled classes, you can earn your college degree from a college offering an external degree program. The DSST Program allows you to earn your degree by study and experience outside the traditional classroom.
Fact sheets for each DSST exam are available from http://www.getcollegecredit.com
Excelsior Exams
From https://www.excelsior.edu/Excelsior_College/Excelsior_College_Examinations
Show What You Know and Earn the College-Level Credit You Deserve
Earn college-level credit accepted at Excelsior College and hundreds of other colleges and universities around the world. Earn the credit you need to:
- Complete your degree efficiently and affordably
- Earn the credit you need for promotion or certification
- Demonstrate what you know for college admission or placement
- Choose From 51 Excelsior College Exams
- Choose from 51 exams in the arts and sciences, business, nursing, and education, many offering upper-level credit. Study independently, using an array of valuable learning resources available directly from Excelsior College.
- Ask an admissions counselor or your academic advisor how credit from Excelsior College Examinations may satisfy your degree and elective requirements and thereby move you closer to your educational or career goal.
- Check with your employer or labor organization about tuition assistance policies when you earn college-level credit efficiently with exams.
- Test at a time convenient for you at nearby Pearson Testing Centers®, open up to six days a week.
After the exam...
- When you take a multiple-choice exam, you will get an unofficial grade report on the spot.
- Use the Examination Transcript Request link on the left side of your MyEC page to request an Official Examinations Transcript (free MyEC user account and login required).
- For more information about Excelsior College Examinations email: testadmn@excelsior.edu
Non-Nursing Exams
The following exams are 2 hours and cost $95
Human Resource Management
Introduction to Macroeconomics
Introduction to Microeconomics
Labor Relations
Organizational Behavior
Pathophysiology
Psychology of Adulthood & Aging
Research Methods in Psychology
Social Psychology
World Population
The following exams are 3 hours and most cost $275
Abnormal Psychology
Anatomy & Physiology
Bioethics: Philosophical Issues
Cultural Diversity
Earth Science
English Composition
Ethics: Theory & Practice
Foundations of Gerontology
Interpersonal Communication
Introduction to Music
Introduction to Philosophy
Juvenile Delinquency
Life Span Developmental Psychology
Microbiology
Organizational Behavior
Pathophysiology
Psychology of Adulthood & Aging
Research Methods in Psychology
Social Psychology
World Conflicts Since 1900
World Population
Ethics: Theory & Practice
Human Resource Management
Labor Relations
Organizational Behavior
Literacy Instruction in the Elementary School
Foundations of Gerontology
Human Resource Management
Psychology of Adulthood & Aging
They offer a number of Nursing Exams as well.
UExcel®
OpenCourseWare and Credit-by-Examination: a Perfect Blend for Earning College Credit
What is OpenCourseWare?
OpenCourseWare (OCW) are university self-study courses that are available to the public without charge via the Internet.
What is Credit-by-Examination?
Traditionally, credit-by-examination (CBE) is a process for ascertaining student knowledge and awarding credit for college-level subjects—regardless of how that knowledge was gained—by taking an exam. Examination scores are provided to a student’s college of choice for evaluation and potential awarding of advanced placement or credit. CBE has been in existence for more than forty years and is becoming a popular option for students of all ages.
By using OCW to learn subject matter and credit-by-examination to demonstrate knowledge in a particular subject, individuals can save significant time and money while working toward a college degree.
About OpenCourseWare
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), developer of the most well-known OCW program, is the driving force behind the OpenCourseWare (OCW) Consortium. The OCW Consortium is a worldwide community which includes Yale University, University of Notre Dame, Johns Hopkins, Stanford and hundreds of other globally renowned universities that have made courses available online.
Course materials are posted using a variety of learning platforms including syllabi, written documents, audio and video lectures, lesson notes, reading lists, assignments and even exam papers on the Web. In addition to English, many of the courses are available in a variety of languages.
Through OpenCourseWare, anyone with access to the Internet has the opportunity to listen to and watch lectures delivered by distinguished educators, independently complete class assignments, network with other students from around the world, and view actual exam questions used by instructors to test course knowledge—all at no cost to the student.
Earning College Credit
Although OpenCourseWare allows students access to university-level courses from prominent institutions, work is not graded and the institutions do not award course credit or provide a degree or certification. Therefore, in order to earn college credit, a student must take, and pass a test through a credit-by-exam program.
However, it is important to know that only one lower-level CBE program, UExcel®, awards actual college credit. UExcel reports letter grades and credits earned by examination on an official transcript from Excelsior College, one of America’s leading distance education institutions. Transcripts can then be sent to a student’s college or university of choice. UExcel is the only lower-level CBE option to offer this service. All other CBE testing organizations issue a transcript containing only a test score—not actual college credit.
UExcel was jointly created by two renowned educational entities— Pearson and Excelsior College. Pearson is a global leader in developing educational products for children, schools, universities, adults and corporations. Excelsior College is an accredited, nonprofit distance education institution with nearly 40 years of experience offering CBE and online education programs. In addition, all UExcel exams have been reviewed by the American Council on Education (ACE), the leading coordinating body for all higher education institutions in the United States. The ACE College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT) has evaluated and made college credit recommendations for all UExcel exams which can be used for transfer credit at a university.
Use OpenCourseWare to Study For a UExcel Exam
There are significant benefits to using OpenCourseWare to study for a UExcel exam:
- OCW consists of defined, university-level courses, created by respected educators.
- Students can choose the teaching styles that best help them learn, and then demonstrate their knowledge by taking the exam when they are ready.
- Combining OCW with UExcel saves a significant amount of money, as OpenCourseWare is offered completely free-of-charge to anyone with Internet access.
There is no interruption to work schedules as OCW is available anytime a student has an opportunity to view or read course materials.
Students can interact with other learners studying the same course material by taking advantage of the social networking opportunities provided by the OCW’s Next Generation Initiatives.
In a letter to students on the OCW Consortium website, Cecilia d’Oliveira, Executive Director of MIT OpenCourseWare, explains the value of OCW this way:
“Through OCW, we provide an opportunity for [students] to enrich their minds and improve their lives. In the past ten years, we estimate that MIT OpenCourseWare materials have reached 100 million individuals around the world. Forty-three percent of those accessing our site are independent learners, many of whom are unable to pursue formal education due to cost or personal circumstance.“
By blending the quality learning OpenCourseWare provides with college credit earned by demonstrating acquired knowledge with the UExcel credit-by-exam program, students around the world now have a cost-saving opportunity to enrich their minds, improve their lives AND accelerate the path to a college degree.
Links:
UExcel®: http://www.uexceltest.com
OpenCourseWare Consortium: http://ocw.mit.edu/index.htm
China Open Resources for Education: http://www.core.org.cn
http://ocw.mit.edu/high-school/
Highlights for High School to help US high school educators and students better use OCW resources.
http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/ocw-scholar/
OCW Scholar courses meet the needs of independent learners by delivering content in logical sequences
http://openstudy.com/
OpenStudy.com: a social learning network where students connect with other students studying the same things.
Ohio University
Information about the Independent and Distant Learning program at OU can be found at http://www.ohio.edu/independent/
If you are familiar with a particular subject or are able to master content without assistance, you may be able to earn credit through a single comprehensive examination that comprises Course Credit by Examination. You receive a course syllabus that outlines course requirements, grading policy, and the kind of examination to be taken; obtain the textbook; and prepare for the examination without assistance from an instructor. Sample exam questions for many of the courses are included in the syllabus students get upon enrollment. You may enroll at any time, but you must take the examination within six months. Your grade on the examination becomes your grade for the course.
CCE courses cost around $300. Here are the CCE titles currently listed on the OU website:
African American History I, 1526-1865
History of the African American Worker
Human Biology
Human Physiology
Bioethics: Bioethical Problems in Biology and Medicine
Biology and the Future of Man
Law and Society
Law of the Management Process
Law of Commercial Transactions
Critical Approaches to Drama
Shakespeare: The Histories
Shakespeare: The Comedies
Shakespeare: The Tragedies
English Literature: 1500-1660
English Literature: 1660-1800
American Literature to 1865
American Literature: 1865-1918
American Literature: 1918 to Present
Humanities—Great Books
Humanities—Great Books: Modern
Western Civilization in Modern Times
Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia
Ancient Greece
Ancient Rome
History of American Journalism
Communication Law
Basic Mathematics
Algebra
Introduction to Calculus
Introduction to Calculus II
Elementary Linear Algebra
Calculus I
Calculus II
Calculus III
Calculus IV
Differential Equations
Medical Terminology for the Medical Assistant
Music Fundamentals
Keyboarding I
Keyboarding II
Business Communication I
Principles of Reasoning
Introduction to Philosophy
Survey of Astronomy
Introduction to Physics
Introduction to Physics
Introduction to Physics
Child and Adolescent Psychology
Educational Psychology
Behavior Genetics and Individual Differences
Introduction to Business Statistics
Introduction to Sociology
Various Language Courses
More information on CCE from OU
Independent and Distance Learning is open to all who can benefit from it, and formal admission to the university is not required for enrollment. Admission to IDL programs, however, does not constitute admission to Ohio University or any of its degree programs. You may enroll for courses at any time during the year. Independent and Distance Learning does not follow the traditional academic calendar, so you can begin your course as soon as you enroll.
If you are a high school student: Although most persons who enroll are high school graduates, it is not necessary for you to have a high school diploma if you are an adult. High school students recommended by their principal or guidance counselor are eligible to enroll in lower division courses.
If you plan to transfer the credit: If you are currently enrolled at another institution of higher education or if you plan to transfer the credit earned, you should obtain written permission from the college that is to accept the credit. Others do not need special permission.
If you reside near an Ohio University campus, you must take your examination at that campus. Others can arrange to have their examinations proctored at another accredited college or university or, if it is more convenient, at an accredited local high school. Ohio University reserves the right to reject a proposed examination supervisor. Detailed information about examination procedures will be included with your enrollment material. You should allow two weeks after your examination is received in the IDLP office for your examination to be graded.
TECEP Exams
The Thomas Edison State College Examination Program (TECEP®) was designed especially with the adult learner in mind, and has enabled students to earn college credit without taking formal courses for more than 30 years.
How TECEP® Exams Work
One way to demonstrate your college-level knowledge and skills is to prepare for and pass a test. Students select a test in a subject area in which they have prior knowledge or experience. Then, they prepare for the test using a test description, and register to take the test when they are ready. Once a student passes the exam, they receive college credit. TECEP® exams are designed for highly independent learners who have the ability to study in a student-centered environment with no time constraints, no assignments, and no mentor interaction.
TECEP fees have been reduced to $99 per test for both enrolled and nonenrolled students.
Information on TECEP can be found at http://tesc.edu/701.php
English Composition
English Composition I (ENC-101-TE)
English Composition II (ENC-102-TE)
Humanities
Public Relations Thought & Practice (COM-210-TE)
Technical Writing (ENG-201-TE)
Introduction to News Reporting (JOU-110-TE)
Social Sciences
Introduction to Political Science (POS-101-TE)
Psychology of Women (PSY-270-TE)
Marriage and the Family (SOC-210-TE)
Natural Sciences/Mathematics
The Science of Nutrition (BIO-208-TE)
Business and Management
Federal Income Taxation (ACC-421-TE)
Business in Society (BUS-311-TE)
Business Policy (BUS-421-TE)
Security Analysis and Portfolio Management (FIN-321-TE)
Financial Institutions and Markets (FIN-331-TE)
Marketing Communications (MAR-321-TE)
Sales Management (MAR-322-TE)
Advertising (MAR-323-TE)
Operations Management (OPM-301-TE)
Human Services
Kinesiology (FIT-211-TE)
Introduction to Human Services (HUS-101-TE)
Computer Science Technology
Network Technology (CMP-354-TE)
CLEP Exams are offered in the
following subjects:
Composition and Literature
American Literature
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature
College Composition
College COmposition Modular
English Literature
Humanities
Foreign Languages
French Language (Levels 1 and 2)
German Language (Levels 1 and 2)
Spanish Language (Levels 1 and 2)
History and Social Sciences
American Government
Human Growth and Development
Introduction to Educational Psychology
Introductory Psychology
Introductory Sociology
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Microeconomics
Social Sciences and History
History of the United States I:
Early Colonization to 1877 History of the United States II:
1865 to the Present Western Civilization I:
Ancient Near East to 1648 Western Civilization II: 1648 to the
Present Science and Mathematics
Biology
Calculus
Chemistry
College Algebra
College Mathematics
Natural Sciences
Precalculus
Business
Financial Accounting
Introductory Business Law
Information Systems and Computer
Applications Principles of Management
Principles of Marketing
As of June 2011, SAT Subject Test
were available in the following subjects:
Literature
US History
World History
Mathematics Level I - (Student should have completed Algebra, Algebra II, and Geometry)
Mathematics Level II - (Student should have also completed Trigonometry)
Biology E/M
Ecology or Molecular - (take one or the other)
Chemistry
Physics
Languages
Chinese with listening
French
French with Listening
German
German with Listening
Modern Hebrew
Italian
Japanese with Listening
Korean with Listening
Latin
Spanish
Spanish with Listening
DSST Exams are available
in the following subjects:
Math
Fundamentals of College Algebra *
Principles of Statistics *
Social Sciences
Substance Abuse *
Criminal Justice *
Art of the Western World
Western Europe since 1945
Introduction to the Modern Middle East
Human/Cultural Geography
Rise and Fall of the Soviet Union
A History of the Vietnam War
The Civil War and Reconstruction
Foundations of Education
Life-Span Developmental Psychology
General Anthropology
Introduction to Law Enforcement
Fundamentals of Counseling
Humanities
Ethics in America *
Introduction to World Religions *
Principles of Public Speaking
Business
Introduction to Computing *
Personal Finance *
Management Information Systems *
Principles of Finance
Principles of Financial Accounting
Human Resource Management
Organizational Behavior
Principles of Supervision
Business Law II
Introduction to Business
Money and Banking
Business Mathematics
Physical Science
Here’s to Your Health *
Astronomy
Environment and Humanity
Principles of Physical Science I
Physical Geology
Technology
Technical Writing
About UExcel
UExcel is a credit-by-examination program that gives students the chance to turn their knowledge into college credit. An alliance between Pearson and Excelsior College, UExcel offers computer-based examinations that can be taken at thousands of test centers around the world. UExcel examinations feature immediate scoring, grading, and learning resources, and are ideal for independent learners, international students, or anyone else who would like to accelerate the completion of their degree or reduce the overall cost of their tuition.
The following UExcel Exams
are currently available.
MAT150 Calculus - 4 Credits
ENG110 College Writing - 3 Credits)
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology - 3 Credits
SOC105 Introduction to Sociology - 3 credits
PHY140 Physics - 6 Credits
POL170 Political Science - 3 Credits
SPA102 Spanish Language – 6 Credits
MAT210 Statistics – 3 Credits
Standardized Testing
State Requirements
Most states require standardized testing of some type. In which grade a child must be tested, the frequency of testing, and the reporting of scores vary from state to state. In some states, the parents keep all the records while other states mandate that test scores be turned in to the local school superintendent. Check your state laws to find out what tests are required and where you report those test scores.
To fulfill testing requirements, many home school families use the Iowa or Stanford achievement tests through the middle school years and even ninth grade. The Cat, BASI and CTBS are also used by home school families in elementary and middle grades. These tests are similar in the content. Sources for these exams are listed below.
Bayside School Supply
137 Clipper Ct. P.O. Box 250
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
www.baysideschoolservices.com or
(800)723-3057
(CAT)
Bob Jones University Press
Greenville, SC 29614-0065
www.bjup.com or (800)845-5731
(SAT, TAP, ITBS)
Christian Liberty Academy
502 W. Euclid Avenue
Arlington Heights, IL 60004
www.homeschools.org or (800)348-0899
(CAT)
Christian Light Education
P.O. Box 1212
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
http://www.clp.org/
(540)434-0750
(CAT - if student is enrolled in Home School Plus program)
Family Learning Organization
P.O. Box 7247
Spokane, WA 99207-0247
www.familylearning.org or (800)405-TEST
(ITBS, CAT, TAP, MAT)
Linn Benton Lincoln Education Service District in Oregon has a website with a great article entitled “Parent's Guide to Standardized Achievement Testing”. The article can be found at http://www.lblesd.k12.or.us/homeschool/testing_parentsguide.php
Note: Many states have begun to require end of the year exams for particular grades and some require a test prior to high school graduation. Some states do not require home school students to adhere to this policy. You should check with your school board or state department of education to determine testing requirements. Also, many state colleges and universities require these exams for all students who graduate from schools in their states, whether public, private or homeschool.
Aims Community College in Colorado has some great test prep materials on their website!
Here is a link to Accuplacer study helps:
