The College-Level Examination Program offers students an opportunity to earn college-level credit by taking one or more of the 33 CLEP exams. CLEP tests are not as well-known as Advanced Placement, dual enrollment or International Baccalaureate — and not all colleges will accept them for credit — but they can add depth to nearly any college application.
Most exams — which cover areas such as composition and literature, world languages and business, among others — are 90 minutes long. Students will need to focus their preparation according to their own learning style, strengths and weaknesses, since how much they know about a subject to start will be unique to them. To prepare, students should take CLEP practice tests.
Each school has different standards for how many credits students can transfer via CLEP exams, so students should also research their prospective colleges before deciding how many and which exams to take. Here are three types of high school students who may especially benefit from taking CLEP exams for college credit.
[Ask these questions before pursuing CLEP credit.]
1. Students with subject-specific knowledge: Several of the CLEP subjects overlap with AP exams. Others, however, cover topics that are not commonly taught in American high schools.
Introduction to Educational Psychology, Principles of Macroeconomics, Principles of Microeconomics and the entire suite of business-related tests are some of the CLEP subjects that are markedly distinct from typical offerings.
Most CLEP exams assess knowledge that is equivalent to a single-semester college-level course. But there are many ways to learn these subjects outside a traditional classroom. For example, a student who has completed a high school internship and some self-study may have gained enough experience to score well on a CLEP test like Principles of Marketing.
Students who have strong enthusiasm for a particular subject may have also taken online courses such as massive open online courses, or MOOCs. While some programs offer certificates for successfully completing a class, transferable credit is rarer. Consider starting college with some CLEP credits for subject areas you’ve studied independently.
Students can also take a CLEP exam in Spanish, German and French. Students who are bilingual or have significant exposure to one of these languages can take advantage of this opportunity.
Most colleges have language requirements as part of their general education core curriculum. While you could potentially test out of these requirements after you are accepted to college, a high CLEP score could boost your overall admissions competitiveness by demonstrating your command of a second language.
[Explore how 529 plan savings can help high schoolers pay for college credit.]
2. Students unavailable during the AP or IB testing window: AP and IB exams are widely known and widely accepted avenues for earning college credit. Any student can sit for an AP test, while only students enrolled in IB courses can take the associated IB exams.
If you began an AP or IB class but were unable to complete it, you can apply this knowledge to a CLEP exam. College admissions officials will generally take into account unforeseen circumstances that prevented you from completing these courses and exams, but a CLEP test in a core subject like literature or math can demonstrate that you made the most of your time in advanced classes, no matter how brief.
Exam timing can be challenging as well. AP and IB exams are both offered during a specific period of the year. CLEP tests, though, are computer-based, and students can take them throughout the year. If you haven’t been or won’t be able to take AP or IB exams, the CLEP exam in a similar topic may be an option.
[Get tips on selecting rigorous courses without AP or IB choices.]
3. Students who need an admissions boost: CLEP exams can also serve as a means of bolstering a college application. Earning competitive grades in challenging classes will always be one of the best ways to demonstrate college readiness.
Some students, however, bloom later than others. Tests like the CLEP series can give you a chance to show your maturity. For instance, if you wish to major in English, you could take American Literature, College Composition or English Literature CLEP exams. Be sure to keep your budget in mind when you consider how many exams to take.
While individual colleges may differ, CLEP exams are generally another way to stand out on applications and recommended for students who need additional ways to set themselves apart.
A strong performance could be an effective counterpoint to grades that are lower than you had hoped. Multiple subject scores can also help make the case for your interest in a particularly competitive program.
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Some High Schoolers May Benefit From Taking CLEP Exams originally appeared on usnews.com
