College Credit the ADD Way

29 May 2008 By Brenda 0 In School

The other day I was sharing something with my daughter and a friend of hers, and it occurred to me that it might be useful to share with you, too.

My daughter’s friend was thinking about going to college, and the two of them were discussing all the things he would have to figure out, like what to major in and how to pay for school. Since I knew that he would have to pay for school himself, and I know that he is an extremely bright young man, I made a suggestion as to how he might earn college credit without taking the classes.

Did you know that you can earn college credit by testing out of a class, and that it will cost you a fraction of what a single class at a community college would cost? Not only that, the tests are accepted at most colleges and universities in the U.S., including Harvard.

Testing out of a class appeals to the ADD Student in a number of ways:

Taking a test for a couple of hours is far more appealing than sitting through 12 or more weeks of classes.

Tests can be chosen based on the student’s strengths and interests, which will make it more likely that they pass.

Alternatively, testing out of a subject they dislike intensely may be motivation enough to have them study for the exam.

Preparation for the test is self-directed. This can be a plus or a minus, depending on the student and their motivation level. If they have someone to help them stay on track, that will help. It would also be helpful to keep the time between when they begin to study and when they take the test rather short. People with Attention Deficit Disorder often thrive on this sort of pressure.

People with AD/HD tend to be highly intelligent, and generally do well with these tests when they make the effort.

Here are some things you might like to know about the tests:

There are two groups of tests - CLEP and DANTES. CLEP is owned by the College Board people - the same ones who own the SAT. The DANTES tests were originally developed for military personnel who were trying to earn their degree while in service. Although the tests are still used for that purpose, they have also been made available to the general public.

CLEP offers 34 different examinations. DANTES offers slightly more that that. Each exam costs about $70, although there may be additional fees depending on where the test is taken.

Each test has a variety of testing centers that administer the tests on given days. CLEP exams may be given at your local community college, but DANTES exams are usually administered at a Prometric testing center.

Most tests are a couple of hours long, and are usually computer based. You will know right away if you have passed or not.

You may have the scores sent to the college of your choice, but if you have not yet chosen a school, you can have them sent at a later date. The tests will add college credits, but will not affect your GPA.

There are study guides and practice tests available online and at your bookstores.

These tests are especially good for testing out of 100 level classes and electives.

CLEP

DANTES

I think this would be a good summer project for your ADD Student, depending on how old they are. I don’t believe, however, that there are age limitations on taking these tests. My youngest daughter first took the ACT when she was 11.