My Review of College Plus!

As I begin my endorsement, I must mention that I haven't been asked by the said organization to write any review good or otherwise. I have talked to a few people who have questions about CP! and so I am here to give a brief overview about my experience as a student who has completed the program.

Here is a bit of background on my decision to use CollegePlus! During my junior year, my parents and I began to consider options for my senior year of high school and subsequently my college career. Through discussions, we specified four points that were important to me, that I had strong desires for: 1) to go through college as quickly as possible (I didn't want to spend four more years of my life in school); 2) to get through college debt free (no student loans, no nothing); and 3) to be at home because I wanted to be there when my little sister came home from China (ruling out out-of-state universities).

Now I have a highly popular university just 15 minutes down the road from my home which takes care of point number 3; I could get a full scholarship if I received a certain score on my SATs meeting point number 2. I could even cut down on the time it took to get my college degree by dual-enrolling during my senior year of high-school; thus point number 1 could have been fulfilled.

However, I also did not want what is point number 4: to sit in a classroom under the tutelage of a unbeliever in an secular institution. I just couldn't do that.

So my mom recommended CollegePlus! which met my criteria for college. The process has changed since I first enrolled (the tuition has gone up, other programs are part of the package, etc.). But I started with Life Purpose Planning for about 6 weeks. During this time, I answered questions and discovered strengths and weaknesses I have. I also got to know my coach. CP coaches are always boy to boy or, in my case, girl to girl.

If there was only one thing I could say on what made CollegePlus! excellent, it was the personal coach. My coach walked me through tests, worked me through mental barriers, suggested study tips, prayed for me at the end of each call, and encouraged me. The coach can not take the place of parental involvement and support, but he or she is a wonderful supplement that make this experience.

After Life Purpose Planning, I used CLEP tests to fulfill most of my general education requirements. You can see a list of the tests by College Board (the same people who handle SATs) and get more information here: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/about.html.
These exams are taken and if passed, are worth the credits of what a student would have earned who had sat through the classes and passed. The credits range from 3 credit hours to 12 credit hours, varying from exam to exam.

I also used DANTEs exams. At first, these were only open to the military but that has now changed and civilians can take them instead of sitting through the class. Prometric's site (http://www.getcollegecredit.com/04learners_a.html) lists the tests they offer.

For all the CLEPs I took and for a couple of the DANTEs, my coach e-mailed me study guides CollegePlus! has developed to aid students in passing the tests. These study guides recommend appropriate reading material for studying and give insight into how to pass. For CLEPs and DANTEs, I would read the recommended books, take notes, perhaps make flash cards, study, and take a practice exam. Then I would go to the testing center (which your coach will help you locate) and take the exam. It may sound simple enough but I often would study 4-6 hours a week, 6 days a week for roughly two weeks per exam (some took more time).

About a year into my program, I enrolled at the college. Mine was Thomas Edison State College (http://www.tesc.edu/) an online course institution that has the highest accreditation a college can have. My degree will be good anywhere; it's definitely not a mail-order degree.

The process for me wasn't smooth and easy. I had rough patches; it was intense. I spent the greater portion of the last 20 months in my room studying and managing a part-time job. I didn't get out much. But now I can say I am done with my college degree.

This way of getting your degree is not for everyone. Being an independent learner and being self-governing/diligent are important qualities to have (perhaps this is why CP! appeals to homeschoolers). Nevertheless, I would not limit it to homeschoolers only. Working adults would find the program most helpful as it plans your degree schedule which is flexible to work around your day.

With college tuition continually rising, CP! is a wonderful option to cut down costs and get a good education at the same time. I have worked with CP! on its E-Zine Acceleration and have gotten to know a couple of people beyond my coach which has truly enriched my experience. If you have any questions about CollegePlus! check out their website at www.collegeplus.org or e-mail me with questions at wicket.gate@yahoo.com. I love to discuss this program and the cutting edge approach to college it gives.