COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENTS
CLEP testing is ideal for students who want to go to college because exams can provide early college credit. Students who are driven to attend college may have the motivation it takes to prepare for some of these exams. Having a vision can keep a student on track despite some of the unknowns associated with CLEP exams.
THE SUPER-MOTIVATED AND SELF-DIRECTED STUDENT
The best candidate is super-motivated, self-directed, and goal oriented. This student is able to structure a study schedule and stick to it. A willingness to dig deeper into unknown topics and create study aids makes the job go easier.
THE AGREEABLE AND COMPLIANT STUDENT
If a student is not self-motivated or organized but responds well to a parent or instructor who is motivated to help, passing CLEP exams is within reach. The parent needs to organize and pace the student, so the work gets done in a manageable time frame. Expanding on topics that are challenging and creating study aids might have to fall on the parent. I have taken on this role for several of my students until they could do it on their own. I really don’t mind the work because I love learning and working with my kids. If you are a parent reading this and dreading the thought of extra work, be assured that once your student understands the process and matures, she may be able to take over more responsibility on future exams.
THE SUPER MEMORY “JEOPARDY” STUDENT
Another candidate is a student who may not be super motivated but has a super memory. This student would be good at memorizing large sets of flashcards quickly. As long as quality sets of facts can be found, this may be all it takes to pass certain CLEP exams. It would help if the student already has had a high school level course on the subject.
THE STUDENT WHO HAD A COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL COURSE
High school courses alone are not a ticket to passing some of the CLEP exams. But some are. Quality high school courses scored my students passes on the College Composition CLEP, Analyzing and Interpreting Literature CLEP, College Algebra, and the American Literature CLEP. Read the separate posts on these to find out the supporting resources used. Keep in mind that the probability of passing the other CLEP exams increases with the use of college level textbooks. If your student had a comprehensive high school course and you want to determine if he can pass the CLEP exam, read my post: Determining CLEP Exam Readiness.
WHO IS NOT AN IDEAL CANDIDATE
The student who does not want to go to college or resists educational efforts probably should not attempt these exams. I think it would also be challenging for a disorganized student who does not have outside support and guidance from a parent or instructor.
STUDENT AGE
All five of my students passed CLEP exams starting in the 8th grade. For ideas on which exams to attempt when read Which CLEP When. In this post I describe a sequence of CLEP exams that works with the typical schedule of high school courses.
Juniors and seniors are in a great position to rack up a bunch of college credits through CLEP examination as well. If your student is not going to take courses at the community college during the 11th and 12th grades, CLEP exams may be a great opportunity to earn college credits while staying home. Read Homeschooling the Senior Year.
Since college-bound students tend to take courses at the community college in the 11th and 12th grades, the best time for these students to take CLEP exams is 8th – 10th grades. The credits earned during these earlier grades can help the student earn an associate degree before high school graduation. They may provide the student priority scheduling at the community college as well. Read CLEP Advantage at the Community College.
HOW TO GET STARTED
This blog has many posts about CLEP exam basics. A good place to start is CLEP Quick Start and CLEP Q & A.
My experience with CLEPs. I have coached my kids and their friends through 16 different CLEP exams over a period of 9 years. Collectively, they have passed 39 CLEP exams and earned over 159 college credits. I’m still coaching my younger son through his CLEP journey. My high school graduates have received full-ride merit scholarships.