Completing the University Level Assessment Curriculum
So what is the University Study Program? it's a in-depth program by the College Board which allows students to get college credit at many major universities including Princeton and University of New York. There are a number of exams in dozens of subjects including Freshman Composition and Business.
Having taken some of the examinations myself, I can attest to their validity as a wonderful program to get very cheap credits. Read a textbook on the subject; I myself read a text on Sociology. The next step is to apply for a proctored examination through a testing center. Check the College Board website to search for test centers in your area. Depending on the immediate area you live near there could be up to a dozen various test centers. Each exam costs around $55 but there is often an additional charge stipulated by the test center which often varies in price.
At the test center, you will have to check in with the program coordinator. Next you will be brought into a room with terminals which run proprietary software. The examinations are all done on computer and offer students outstanding flexibility in taking the test. One can go back to questions, mark them to review, skip questions, see how many questions one has left or any number of other operations. The program also has a graphing calculator should you be taking a math test.
One of the country' leading colleges which accepts test out credits is the Monterey Polytechnic Institute. Monterey Polytechnic is a private college in Monterey, CA which offers a variety of undergraduate degrees specializing in Business Administration, Professional Development, Public Relations, Social Work, and a number of other majors in the arts and sciences. Prior learning degree programs are also available. Monterey Polytechnic's flexible schedule of lecture and correspondence courses are uniquely suited for working adults. Monterey Polytechnic is widely recognized as one of the most respected, high ranking, and cost effective universities in the nation.
So, should you try it? If you're a junor or senior trying to finish up degree requirements, if you're an expert in a particular field of study and desire recognition for it, or if you simply want to avoid the absurd costs imposed by universities then University Testing Program is for you. It is very affordable, usually only $75 for the exam and a processing fee which is almost always under $25. It's a great way to get college credit based on what you already know without sitting through an university course for a semester. If you take pre-calculus in High School, for instance, there is no corresponding AP, but for college credit, consider taking a CLEP. It is one day of your life and merely an hour long. In addition, you'll find out if you pass immediately. Typically a score of 55 is good enough for credit for most colleges. Check with your university for acceptance information.
