Back Door Ways to Earn College Credit

Opportunity awaits beyond academic doors for those seeking to enhance or change a career. Fortunately, attending class in a traditional classroom setting is not the only way to earn college credit anymore. As the average age of new college students continues to rise, colleges are responding by providing alternatives to those who have earned "real world" accomplishments and have gained knowledge through experience.

The most common of these alternatives is the College Level Examination Program, known as the CLEP exams. These exams provide college credit for career related training, non-credit adult courses, hobbies, or even natural ability. They are an opportunity to "test-out" of college courses-speeding your progress towards a degree. Why dedicate several hundred dollars and a couple of days a week to earn credit for lessons you've already learned? Most colleges will generally award the same amount of credit for a successfully completed CLEP exam as they would the related course.

What can you expect? An hour and a half of essay questions, multiple-choice questions, or fill-in the blank sentences-a small commitment compared to three to six hours a week for 16 weeks of traditional class time. Available tests include the following subjects areas:

- Composition and Literature

- Humanities

- Foreign Languages

- History

- Government

- Human Growth and Development

- Psychology

- Economics

- Sociology

- Science

- Mathematics

- Biology

- Chemistry

- Natural Sciences

- Business

- Information Systems

- Computer Science

The CLEP exams are not the only tests you can take for credit. Colleges often allow you to by-pass beginning level math, speech, and English courses if you can prove yourself on competency tests. You can also earn college credit for military experience, life experience, work experience, and volunteer service. Professional licenses, certifications, and even your travels could offer additional shortcuts. Most schools call these credits "Life-long Learning" credits, and some schools will give you up to a year (30+ credits) for your real-life experience. Each college has different standards for Life-long Learning credits, so there's no "one-size-fits-all" approach. Talk with admissions counselors at prospective schools to learn more.

Other ways colleges invite adults to enter the academic world include:

- Televised Classes- Courses offered from a remote location, such as a local university, a high school facility, or your own home

- Independent Study- One-on-one instruction with material and lessons customized to fit your personal learning agenda.

- Correspondence Courses- Complete the course through the mail, taking required tests at agreed upon locations. You often have a full year to complete a course.

- Internet Courses- These offer tremendous flexibility.

Another way to boost your college career: The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers course materials online. You won't be able to use the material to earn college credit, but it could help you prepare for CLEP exams and other tests. If you can show you are prepared, you may avoid taking prerequisite courses-instead, skipping straight to your desired course.

If have a college in mind, check with them to see what alternatives they can offer to help you earn your degree faster and cheaper. The door to a great future isn't always located in the front-look beyond the obvious and you will be surprised at the options you have available.