An Open Letter to a Fellow High School Student
Written by Christopher Davis (Age 16)
Ah, the joy of taking a CLEP (College Level Examination Program) exam! It gives the person willing to partake a way to get through the fundamental college courses with minimal effort and a low cost. All you need is a small amount of persistence.
Taking a CLEP is a relatively easy thing to do compared to the college classes of traditional schooling. But keep in mind it will take you about two to three of these exams for you to fully understand the flow of how things work.
If you are a fast learner, you can prepare for an exam in as little as one day. Now, how many full-time students can say they got credits in that time frame? Not to mention that your studies can fit into your schedule and not that of the professors.
One step at a time, friendly and straightforward
With the CLEP program, you can focus on one particular subject, get it done and then move on to the next part of the equation. So, for instance, say you are taking a high school course on the History of the United States. Why not take US History I and II CLEP tests, plus US Government, since they go hand in hand?
How does high school curriculum compare to the CLEP exam?
The curriculum in high school and the CLEP exams are relatively similar except that the CLEP material provides a little more information. This is because it is geared toward college-age students. However, the material is written in a way that an 8th grader can comprehend.
Can taking a CLEP make you feel better?
One thing students in high school may readily appreciate is saying that they are also taking some college courses. This can help to give them a boost of confidence in their life, since they may feel they have achieved something great.
When is the best time to take the CLEP exam?
One of the best times to take a CLEP test is right after finishing a high school class on that particular subject. The information that you have learned is still fresh on your mind and you will not need much additional studies. However, you should take the time to study and know the material well. Some of the needed information can be found in books while other is available online through many different video courses.
Then there is the CLEP test itself!
The actual tests vary from around 70 to 120 questions and they usually take around 90 minutes. The goal is to stay loose and focused. If needed, stop for a minute and look elsewhere. But don’t daydream too much so that you don’t run out of time. The majority of the questions are multiple-choice, so even if you do not know the answer, give it your best guess.
Is there any downside to taking CLEP exams?
There is one major downside to taking these courses. Unfortunately, not all colleges or universities accept these exams. If you are planning on going to a place such as Harvard, this may not be the best option for you.
But, let’s look more at the positives. Some people graduate from high school with an associate’s or even a bachelor’s degree. This can provide for a better ability for job experience since you can get into the workforce earlier and still have the degree that is needed for the particular job. Plus, if you want some more higher education you can move your already-obtained degree to a higher level. My plan is to attain a basic associate’s degree by the end of high school.
In summary, CLEP is a relatively fast and affordable way to get a college degree during high school. If you have enough perseverance you can succeed.
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