10-18-2007

College Q and A

• What are CLEP and AP?

CLEP and AP are examinations that offer you the opportunity to demonstrate your proficiency at the college level (your college(s) has to accept both the test you took and your score, in order for you to receive credit).  Both tests are offered by the same people who offer the SAT – College Board (www.collegeboard.org).  Both are good ways to earn college credit, and thus save money (on tuition) and move closer to graduation.  Each college has their own policy regarding credit earned by examination.

·        CLEP stands for College Level Examination Program.  You take a CLEP test in subjects you are knowledgeable in, to try and earn college credit.  Different schools require different scores before they award credit.  CLEP tests currently cost $65 each, and they are typically offered at university and other testing centers throughout the country.  CLEP tests may be taken at any time you feel proficient at the subject area – during high school, after, or during college

·        AP stands for Advanced Placement, and refers to both the college-level classes taken in high school and the test at the end (given in early May) that can result in receiving college credit.  You must both take the AP class while you are in high school and pass the AP test AND your school must accept both the test you took and your score in order to receive college credits.  AP tests currently cost $84 each, and they are actually offered at your high school.  AP classes and tests must be taken while you are still in high school.

• Do I still need to visit and apply to other colleges if I pretty much know where I want to go to school?
• Yes and No.  You definitely need to visit other college campuses.  Even if you are not seriously considering the school, it’s important to have a basis for comparison.  Being on other campuses will cause you to measure things against “your school”.  Tag along on your friends’ college visits.  Talk to them about what they’re going to do and the things they’re considering.  Make sure you have the answer to the same questions and have considered the same issues they’re considering.  There’s nothing wrong with sticking with the same school all the way through the process.  Just make sure it’s an educated choice, and you’re going there because it’s the right school for you, and not just because it’s the one you’ve always wanted to go to.
• You don’t have to apply to any school you’re not serious about, but it’s a really good idea to have a backup plan.  You’ll want to think before you waste money (in application fees) just for the sake of a backup, but I know of too many students who were left scrambling at the last minute when their college choice changed.  Applying for admission and scholarships at a backup school doesn’t cost much and is a safety net you might be glad you had.

Submit your questions to lance@collegeanswerguy.com and visit www.collegeanswerguy.com and www.collegeprep101.com

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