CLEP. Seems like just about everyone is taking advantage of this credit-by-examination tool. But

Got a great question from a parent:

If a student takes a CLEP exam and does not make a high enough score, will it negatively impact their college transcript? Do you still need to turn that test score in to the college? 

It's important that you have all the details when it comes to utilizing any college prep tool, and the last thing we want is to do is negatively impact their chances of getting into their desired school/program.

Here are a few things to know:

• You can send scores for free to 2 schools every time you take the test.
• After the two free schools, you can send transcripts of your scores for $20/transcript.
• For each transcript you can specify which test(s) you want to include.
• If you re-take a test and get a higher score, the new score replaces the old score on your records.
• You do have the option to cancel a test score at the end of a test (before you see your score),...

There is a growing trend to utilize credit by examination, whether that's AP exams or CLEP tests or other tools like DSST exams.

But just because something is a trend doesn't mean it makes sense for you! 

Here we'll take a look at the difference between the two exams and then some criteria for you to determine if these tools make sense for you:

AP Exams

• More widely accepted than CLEP tests, and generally considered to be more difficult.
• Does not require you to take an AP course.
• Are only offered in May/June of each year.
• The exams range from 90 minutes to over 3 hours and include both
  multiple choice and free-response questions.
• Official Website for AP Exams 
• List of AP Courses/Exams
• Free Practice Resources

CLEP Tests

• Not as widely accepted as AP exams, but are generally considered easier.
• You can schedule to test whenever works for you and your local testing facility (often community colleges).
• Exams are 90 minutes long, computer administered,...

One of my recommendations if you decide to attempt credit by examination (using AP or CLEP tests) is to get a prep book (or online resource) and work through the book while completing your related high school subject.

With it being January and the start of a new semester, it's a great time to start preparing for the tests.

I won't get into the details about the AP & CLEP here, but rather want to point you to some awesome resources to help you be ready!

NOTE: though there are definite differences in the exam formats, resources to help you prepare for the AP can typically be used to prep for the CLEP and vice versa.

AP EXAMS

• Khan Academy: Khan Academy has teamed up with College Board to offer free courses for many of the AP exams. These even include videos that work through actual problems from the tests (something most publishers can't do due to copyright issues). Khan Academy's courses include:
  • AP Art History
  • AP Biology
  • AP Calculus AB
  • AP Calculus BC
  • AP Chemistry...