4 Reasons Why You Should Finish Your Degree

4 Reasons Why You Should Finish Your Degree

Are you an adult learner thinking about going back to finish your degree? If so, you’re not alone. 

Adult learners, defined as those over the age of 25, make up about 6.6 million of those enrolled in college. That’s nearly 40% of those people enrolled in higher education. 

Finishing your degree while balancing life can be a challenge. With other obligations like work and kids, finding time for studies can be a learning experience in itself. You may feel tempted to give up at times. Despite the challenges of being an adult learner, there are many reasons to continue working toward your degree. An unfinished degree will lead to regrets years down the line, and you may face more hurdles when advancing your career. 

1) A bachelor’s degree will diversify your skill sets.

You may find that your current skill set is no longer taking you where you want to go, especially if you’re seeking to advance your career. With recent technology changes, it’s nearly impossible to compete unless you diversify your skill sets. 

Finishing your degree helps you learn new skills that you can parlay into more career opportunities. As a person with work experience under your belt, you have an added advantage over your more traditional degree-seeking peers. Since you know where your career path is taking you, you can choose to learn specific skills you know you will need to advance. You don’t have to study more general subjects that may not apply to your line of work. 

Our economy is becoming more global, and your skills will become outdated if they aren’t already. You will find this is especially true if you’re in the technology industry, where younger, more skilled workers are plenty. To continue to progress in your field, you must add to your knowledge base and skillset. Acquiring new certifications or degrees helps you make yourself more competitive.

 Want to get your degree faster than ever? Test out of your general education courses with Smarter with Achieve. 

2) A degree offers a good return on investment. 

Many people didn’t finish college when they were younger due to financial issues. It’s pretty standard for adults to hold off college until they can save to afford it. The choice isn’t one without merit. Americans are currently $1 trillion in the hole due to student loan debt. And many cannot afford to pay it back. Additionally, younger undergrads also tend not to know what they want to study. Meaning they could waste thousands of dollars on a major only to discover their passions lay elsewhere. 

Want to save money on student loans? Find out how Smarter with Achieve and Credit-by-Exam can help.

This and more pushes many individuals into putting off college until 3-5 years later. Adult learners have an advantage. More often than not, they have figured out what they want to do. They’ve had time to think about their passions, plus they have a little life experience under their belt too. Adding a bachelor’s degree to their years of experience can be a game-changer for these individuals. 

It’s proven that workers who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher earn considerably more throughout their lifetimes than those who don’t. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people who have at least a bachelor’s degree earn an average weekly paycheck of $1,053, versus $638 for those with only a high school diploma. Not only that, you’re less likely to experience prolonged bouts of unemployment.

3) A bachelor’s degree offers new career opportunities.

It’s not uncommon for adults to feel a little burnt out after years in their industry. You may want to start a new business or switch careers. If you’re thinking about starting something new or going on a different career path, a bachelor’s degree may be just what you need. 

Today’s generation is all about the idea of pursuing your passion. Much unlike the message of previous generations to just find a practical job, young adults these days are picking careers they can get excited about. And older adults are getting the message too. Many are turning away from stagnant jobs to vibrant careers that align with their lives’ calling. 

Usually, making such a huge switch requires training. Going into a new career in a different industry is no easy feat. Many adults are choosing to get a degree to make the transition that much easier. 

Ready to make a career switch? Earn your degree faster with Smarter with Achieve!

4) Your degree journey will boost your personal growth. 

Maybe for you getting your degree is more about finishing what you started than it is about money. There are many reasons people have had to put off college and enter the workforce early. Maybe academic issues, a growing family, or health issues halted your studies previously. Whatever the reason, you left with a handful of credits and no degree. 

For you, going back and finishing your degree can be highly satisfying. It can help you feel confident at work, increase your self-worth, and set an example for your children. Not the mention the number of doors a degree will open for you as far as career opportunities.

Wrapping Up 

The bottom line is that education offers adult learners opportunities that have never before existed. Online education makes getting your degree 100% over the internet possible. Since you can finish your degree from the comfort of your home, you no longer have to remain dissatisfied with a stagnant career. There is a bevy of options available to adult learners, including the testing out of general education courses. Using test-out options, you can finish your degree in half of the time! And Smarter with Achieve can help.

Finish Your Degree with Smarter with Achieve

What’s your reason for finishing your degree? Whatever your motivations, Smarter with Achieve will walk you through every step of the way. 

Smarter with Achieve is an exam guidance company that offers adult learners a faster and more convenient way to finish their degree. We offer flexible day, evening, and night courses. Plus, no term papers, quizzes, or assignments. We prep you to pass CLEP exams for college credits so you can finish faster and get on with the rest of your life and career.

Are you interested in learning more? Contact the experts at Smarter with Achieve today. We’ll find the best program that fits your needs and schedule. 

What is DSST?

What is DSST?

Think you need to take a college course to earn college credits? These days, more and more colleges recognize that learning doesn’t have to take place inside four walls. For many working adults, years of experience and specific knowledge trumps anything that they would learn in a classroom, and they have the chops to prove it. Working adults are turning to alternative ways to gain college credits and earn their degrees. And one of those ways is through a Credit-by-Exam program called DSST. 

What is DSST?

To understand what DSST exams are, you first have to understand the history of the program. The DSST program started in 1974 as a way to help service members earn their degrees. 

The program was initially designed to ensure that people in the military could earn college credits outside of the classroom. The exams allowed military personnel and their families to further their educational goals even when deployed. The only catch was they had to prove their knowledge of a subject by passing a single test. 

By 2006, the tests were made available to the general public. Now anyone can take them. Today, degree-seekers of all ages take DSST tests to speed up their education and earn their college degrees faster.

Prep for Your DSST Exam with Smarter with Achieve.

Taking a DSST test is a great investment, not only because of the time you save but also because of possible money savings too. 

Here is what you need to know before taking a DSST Exam. 

DSST Overview 

  • DSST (or the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) is accepted as credit by nearly 2,000 colleges and universities nationwide. 
  • DSST tests are scored on a scale from 200 to 500, with a 400 being a passing score. 
  • Most questions are multiple-choice, and you’re not penalized for wrong answers. 
  • The DSST includes 30 exam subjects. 
  • A passing score will earn you 3-4 college credit hours.

How Much Do DSST Exams Cost?

A DSST exam will cost you around $130 (including test center and administrative fees) but, veterans with Post 9/11-GI Bill benefits may be eligible for reimbursement of their DSST exams. Compared to the equivalent college course, at over $1000 each, you can save a ton of money on the cost of schooling with DSST. 

What Type of Exams Can You Take?

The DSST has 30 subject exams range from topics in Business to Humanities. The six main exam categories include…

  • Business
  • Math
  • Humanities 
  • Social Sciences 
  • Physical Sciences 
  • Technology 

Where Can I Take A DSST Exam?

When you’re ready to take your exams, you have more than 1,200 testing centers in the U.S. Your college or university may already be a testing center. Find a DSST test center here.

To register for your exam, contact the test center of your choice. Some test centers require that you register in advance, while others allow walk-ins. Be sure you know the policy of your chosen test center. Each testing location sets its own independent testing schedule and testing frequency.

On the day of the exam, make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes early. Bring a form of identification like your government ID and, if you are military, your Common Access Card. DSST exams can be computer-based and taken online or paper-based. Either way, in both instances, you will be completing your exam at a testing center. In addition to multiple-choice questions, you can expect essay questions on some exams. 

Pass Your DSST Exam with Smarter with Achieve.

How are DSST Credits Applied?

Every school will have its own policy on how DSST credits are accepted and applied. Be sure to meet with your school’s advisor to get the answers to the following questions:

  • Are DSST exams accepted?
  • How many credits is each test worth?
  • Are DSST tests appropriate for my selected degree?
  • How many total credits will you accept through DSST?
  • What is the minimum score required for DSST tests?

How to Prepare for DSST Exams?

One of the best ways to prep for your DSST exam is to prep with Smarter with Achieve. 

We offer exam guidance to help you study to pass your DSST exams and CLEP and ECE exams. We’re prepared to help you pass your exams, often on the first try. We offer expert instruction with educators who will help you brush up on your knowledge before test day. Plus, we’ll give you insider information on how your exam is structured and what you can expect on test day. 

We also offer:

  • A library of study materials. When you register with Smarter, you get practice tests and guidelines, so you’ll be confident when facing your exam.
  • Exam-specific questions. Get access to exam-specific questions to help you prep for DSST, CLEP, and ECE exams. 

DSST Retake Policy 

If you don’t pass your DSST test, there is a waiting period of 30 days before you can attempt a retake. If you try to retake a test before that time, any score you receive from your new test will be considered invalid. Luckily, if you prep with Smarter, we offer free refresher courses and 1:1 tutoring if you don’t pass your exam. 

Prepare Your Exam with Smarter with Achieve 

Taking and passing DSST exams are a great way to earn college credits, save money and get your degree faster than traditional methods. 

Want to find out how many credits you can earn with DSST at your specific school? Have our team identify all of the eligible courses, and while they’re at it, tell you how much it will cost to prep for each course using Smarter.

Ready to get started? Know precisely which courses your school will let you test out. Get your Prep Course Plan today. 

Is a College Degree Still Worth It?

Is a College Degree Still Worth It?

The cost of college certainly isn’t getting cheaper. In fact, the cost of tuition has risen five times the rate of inflation over the last three-plus decades. And with many parents shelling out upwards hundreds of thousands toward tuition, many may wonder if a college degree is still worth it.  

The good news is that research suggests that the answer is still ‘yes.’ Despite the rising cost of college, degree-holders on average enjoy more long-term benefits than their non-degreed peers. What benefits? People with a bachelor’s degree enjoy higher employment rates, higher salaries, and report greater satisfaction overall. 

3 Reasons Why a College Degree is Still Worth It

Enjoy Job Security 

One of the most significant benefits of holding a bachelor’s degree is that you enjoy a higher employment rate. The more education you have under your belt, the more likely you are to be employed. Need more proof? Well, consider that nearly 90% of 25-to 34-year-olds with a bachelor’s degree or higher are employed. Even a little college is better than none. People with only some college education enjoy an 80% employment rate. The number plummets for those with just a high school degree. For those who forgo college entirely, the employment rate is just 57%.

Secure a Higher Salary

What would you do with an extra $1,000,000?

That’s how much more you’d earn over a lifetime with a bachelor’s degree compared to those with a high school diploma. But you don’t have to wait a lifetime to start seeing the benefits of a four-year degree. Consider the weekly and hourly pay of those with a bachelor’s degree compared to those with just a high school diploma. 

Recent statistics show the average weekly earnings of bachelor’s degree holders vs. those with just a high school diploma. 

  • Less than high school diploma: $592 per week 
  • High school diploma: $746 per week
  • Some college, no degree: $833 per week
  • Associate’s degree: $887 per week
  • Bachelor’s degree: $1,248 per week
  • Master’s degree $1,497 per week
  • Professional degree: $1,861 per week
  • Doctoral degree: $1,883 per week

The hourly pay of a bachelor’s degree holder is twice the wage of a high school graduate. The breakdown, according to Edsource.org, is as followed:

  • Graduate degree holders make $33 per hour.
  • Bachelor’s degree holders make $22 per hour.
  • High school graduates make $11 per hour.
  • High school dropouts make $6 per hour.

Here is a visual representation from Employed Historian.

is college worth it

What does this mean? Bachelor’s degree holders enjoy more financial stability. That means, on average, those with a bachelor’s degree are more likely to own a home and have savings. In comparison, those without a degree are more likely to face financial instability and less likely to have savings for unplanned expenses. 

Experience More Life Satisfaction

Completing a degree is no small feat and many who graduate with a bachelor’s degree report feeling more pride and satisfaction overall for their accomplishments. 

Bachelor’s degree holders also experience more autonomy and career relevance in their chosen fields. Autonomy, how much control you have over your daily work life, and career relevance, how closely your job is related to your desired future career, are strongly associated with job satisfaction, much more so than salary. 

If you have a bachelor’s degree, you can expect to experience more job satisfaction overall—people with just a high school diploma experience less job satisfaction overall. 

But, College is Still Expensive

Despite all of its benefits obtaining a bachelor’s degree doesn’t come without its hurdles. Forty percent of people who start a four-year program will never finish. And one of the biggest reasons why is the cost of college and the burden of student loans. But there is an unlikely solution…Credit-by-Exam. 

What is Credit-by-Exam?

Credit by Exam is a program that allows you to earn credits for a college course by taking and passing one standardized exam on the subject. Passing the exams means you don’t have to sit (or pay) for the class. Thus, you can reduce how much you spend on college and keep more money in your pocket. Not only that, you can finish college up to 1.5 years sooner. Over 3,000 colleges and universities accept Credit-by-Exam. 

Finish College Faster with Smarter with Achieve 

Where does Smarter come in?

Smarter with Achieve is an exam guidance company, which means we help you study to pass Credit-by-Exam tests like CLEP, ECE, and DSST.

Every learner person who preps with Smarter will receive:

  • Instructor guidance. Our instructors will help you brush up on your knowledge before the test day and give you insider information on how the exams are structured.
  • A library of study materials. When you register with Smarter, you get practice tests and guidelines, so you’ll be confident when facing your CLEP, DSST, or ECE exam.
  • Exam-specific questions. Get access to exam-specific questions to help you prep for CLEP.

Are you ready to finish your bachelor’s degree faster than ever? Contact us at Smarter with Achieve today!

I failed my CLEP exam. Now what?

I failed my CLEP exam. Now what?

So, you signed up with Smarter with Achieve, attended the prep course sessions, reviewed the study guides and suggestions, and still didn’t pass your exam. What happens next?

There is a waiting period before you can retake the exam. But, there is a lot you can do during that time, including re-enrolling in the prep course (free of charge at Smarter with Achieve) and upping your study efforts for the retake.

What do I do during the waiting period?

There is a 90-day waiting period to retake a CLEP exam. But this only applies to retakes on the exact same exam. So, for example, if you take and fail your English Composition exam, you can still take an Introductory to Psychology CLEP exam the next day. However, you would have to wait three months to retake your English Composition exam.

What should you do about your failed exam in the meantime? Start studying for your exam retake right away. By studying a little every day, you’ll be more prepared the second time around for your exam.

What’s a passing CLEP score?

To aim for a passing score on your CLEP retake, you must first understand what ‘passing’ means for your circumstance. Be sure that you find out what your school considers a passing CLEP exam score for the test you’re planning to take. The College Board accepts a score of 50 as a passing score, but each college may set its own policy on a passing exam score. Double-check with your academic advisor to be sure what a passing score is for your intended test subject and how it’s applied as college credits.

What does my college do with my old scores?

If you don’t pass your exam the first time, the College Board will keep your old score until you retake the test. If you pass your test the second time, the College Board will replace your old score with your passing score and send those updated scores to your school of choice. The College Board does not keep track of your old scores.

But, what does your college do with your old CLEP scores? Most schools will allow you to retake a CLEP exam, but few won’t. Most of the time, your college will accept your most recent scores. Still, it’s best to check with your academic advisor on your school’s CLEP retake policy.

Remember whether you pass or not, your CLEP scores don’t affect your grade point average (GPA). Nothing is logged on your college transcript indicating you failed your CLEP test.

What can I do to ensure I pass the second time?

Write down the topics you struggled with.
  • As soon as you get home from your exam, be sure to write down everything you wished you studied more. Use that list as a guide on what to focus on for the next time.
Practice makes perfect.
  • Be sure to take plenty of practice tests on the subject you failed.
Prep with Smarter.
  • Smarter with Achieve’s Customer Success program is here to walk you through your exam should you not pass your test the first time. You’ll get a customized study plan and one-on-one support to ensure that you pass your exam.
Pass your CLEP exam with  Smarter with Achieve

While many who prep with Smarter pass their exams, we’re here for you with personalized support in the chance you don’t. As soon as one of our customers fails, our customer support team kicks in with a customized plan.

We offer:

  • Free Course Retakes
  • Free Refresher Courses
  • Free One-on-One Tutoring

Our unique test remediation program ensures your success and costs nothing. If you ever fail an exam, we will give you the attention and additional resources you need until you pass. And, if you don’t give up, neither will we!

Ready to start with Smarter? Contact us today to get started.

 

 

 

 

Finish College Faster with Credit-by-Exam

Finish College Faster with Credit-by-Exam

Without careful planning, the odds that you’ll finish a bachelor’s degree in four years pretty slim. According to one study, only 50 out of the 580 colleges surveyed graduated most of their full-time students on time. More and more college students are taking five, six, or eight years to finish their degree. And those extra years in school hurt your career chances and choices. As a rule of thumb, your earnings increase as your education level increases. The extra years you spend in the workforce without a degree means earning less than your true potential.

So how can you finish college faster and start maximizing your earning potential as soon as possible? Here are five tips that’ll help you stay on course so you can finish your degree in four years…or even faster.

Plan ahead with your college advisor

Your first step to graduating on time is a visit to your college advisor’s office. Discuss with your advisor what requirements you need to meet to graduate on time. Your advisor helps you become aware of any special requirements you need for your particular degree program. Working with an advisor will help you avoid taking any unnecessary classes and also ensure that you enroll in the right classes on time.

If your required course is already filled, advisors can facilitate communication with faculty to arrange for a seat in the course. If you decide to take a semester to go abroad, college advisors will help you stay on track. Your college advisor is crucial in helping you finish college on time.

Take an Accelerated Course

While courses within a traditional degree program can last for up to 16 weeks, accelerated programs are a different story. Accelerated courses typically last six or eight weeks. Since the courses are much shorter, you can finish your degree much quicker. Depending on the program you choose, you can get your degree in as little as 12 to 18 months.

Accelerated courses are not for everyone. Because the courses are so much shorter, they are often more intense. Most accelerated courses are much more self-guided. You will be doing a lot more independent study and review to keep up with the material.

Get Credit for Prior Learning

Did you know your work experience may qualify for college credits? The real-world working experience may be relevant to your degree program. Some colleges will give you credits for your work experience.

Do you have military experience or time working abroad? The years you spent in Spain may equate to some Spanish college credits. Check with your chosen college to see if your work experience can convert into college credits.

Take College Courses in High School

For high schoolers, there are opportunities to earn college credits before graduating. You can enroll in international baccalaureate (IB) classes or advanced placement (AP) classes. Both class types offer college credits for those who pass the final exam.

Some high schools also offer dual enrollment courses. High schoolers can earn college credits with dual enrollment by taking the same courses at a nearby community college. Dual enrollment courses are often free and don’t take any additional time since you’d be taking them as a part of your high school classes. Make sure that your chosen college accepts dual-enrollment credits before you take any.

Take Advantage of Credit-by-Exam

Credit-by-Exam programs allow you to earn credits toward your degree by taking one standardized exam. Credit-by-Exam allows you to knock out your gen-ed courses quicker, so you can start completing the core requirements for your degree. Credit-by-Exam includes CLEP, DSST, and ECE tests. Each of these exams offers different options for earning credit for advanced work or knowledge you already possess. These exams help you get your degree faster because you can earn college credits without attending a class.

CLEP or the College Level Examination Program is the most popular Credit-by-Exam test among college students. CLEP includes 30 exams you can take to show your knowledge of a subject and earn college credit for the material you’ve already mastered. CLEP is accepted by over 3,000 colleges nationwide and has over 2,000 test centers.

CLEP, and other Credit-by-Exam programs, are not only a great way to finish college faster but can save you tons of money. According to the College Board, students who earn 15 CLEP credits towards a college degree can save up to $17,000!

The Smart Way to Finish College Fast

Smarter with Achieve combines the speed of accelerated courses with the convenience of Credit-by-Exam. We offer exam guidance to help you study to pass CLEP, ECE, and DSST exams. At Smarter with Achieve, you’ll get…

  • Instructor guidance. Our instructors will help you brush up on your knowledge before the test day and give you insider information on how the exams are structured.
  • A library of study materials. When you register with Smarter, you get practice tests and guidelines, so you’ll be confident when facing your CLEP, DSST, or ECE exam.
  • Exam-specific questions. Get access to exam-specific questions to help you prep for CLEP.

Although Smarter with Achieve is not a school, we can help you pass exams for college credits accepted at over 3,000 accredited college institutions.

Ready to prep? Chat with us today and see how we can help.

Does My College Accept Credit-by-Exam?

Does My College Accept Credit-by-Exam?

Testing out of college classes helps busy students get more time in their schedules, but does every college accept credit by exam? 2,900 accredited colleges and universities accept this type of credit, but you’ll need to verify whether your school is on this list. Here’s how to determine if your college accepts credit by exam.

What is credit by exam?

Credit-by-exam programs allow you to skip the classroom and earn credits toward your degree by merely passing a proficiency exam. This system allows you to test out of an entire semester-long class, earning general education credits without spending months in a classroom. Credit by exam allows you to knock out your gen-ed courses quicker, so you can start completing the core requirements for your degree. The most popular credit-by-exam tests are CLEP, DSST, and UExcel (AP tests are also part of the credit-by-exam system, but AP is only available to high school students).

Save tuition and reduce your course load by earning credits on subjects you know. Learn more with Smarter with Achieve. 

Does my school accept credit by exam?

2,900 colleges and universities accept credit by exam, but you should still do your research before assuming your college will accept test-out credits. Not all schools allow these credits, and even those who do still differ in how those credits are applied. You don’t want to take exams for credit that your college won’t acknowledge on your academic record, so here are some tips on verifying credit by exam at your school.

How to find out if your college accepts Credit-by-Exam

Speak with your advisor

The best way to determine if your college accepts credit by exam is to call or visit your school’s admission advisors. If you have not decided which school you will attend, take the time to consider your options carefully. If you plan to use Credit-by-Exam for most of your general education courses, you should check different college’s policies on test-out before selecting the right school for you.

Look in your academic calendar

If you have already received your school’s academic calendar, then the policy is sometimes listed under guidelines within the book.

Googling

Sometimes Googling your school’s name and “credit by exam” will bring up the school’s test-out policies. But beware that sometimes you will run into outdated information using this tactic.

Visit the College Board’s website

Visit the College Board’s website and search for your school’s CLEP policy.

  • Visit the CLEP website and navigate to the Search Institution Policies tool.
  • Type a school in the “Enter a College or University Name” field, then select the school name when it pops up.
  • If you’re not sure which school you want to attend, but know you want to use Credit-by-Exam, College Board’s website will show you a list of schools that accept test-out credits.

Questions to ask your academic advisor about credit by exam

Besides finding out if your school accepts credit by exam, what else should you ask when you’re finally in front of your academic advisor? These four simple questions should guide your approach and let you know if credit by exam is the right fit for you and your degree program.

How are Credit-by-Exam credits applied?

After you’ve established that your desired school accepts credit by exam, the next question you should ask is how those credits are applied.

General education credits: Most schools will apply your CLEP credits to general education courses, but some may only apply them in a general sense, such as six credits in math.

Transfer credits: Some colleges treat credit by exam like transfer credits. If you have other credits to transfer, credit by exam may count against the maximum number of credits you can transfer. Plus, you may not be able to get a say in which credits the school will accept as transfer credits. If you have a lot of credits to transfer, credit by exam may not be the right fit for you.

Exemptions: Some schools treat credit by exam tests as exemptions, meaning you are allowed to test out of a prerequisite but will not receive a credit. For example, taking a College Composition CLEP test may exempt you from taking an introductory writing course, but you’ll have to earn those credits in a more challenging course.

Electives: Some colleges only count credit by exam tests as an elective, so you cannot test out of courses required for your major.

How many credits can I test out?

Most colleges limit the number of credits that you can CLEP, and some schools even cap how many students can earn CLEP credits.

The number of credits that you can test out varies from 12 up to 60+. This number may include any previously earned AP tests credits, so be sure to speak with your academic advisor before pursuing credit by exam.

Smarter with Achieve can help

If you’re looking for ways to reduce the cost of college, Credit-by-Exam can help you reach your goals faster. But first, you’d have to understand how the program works within your school and for your degree program.

If you’re already enrolled in a college or plan to enroll soon, it’s essential to speak with your academic advisor on how Credit-by-Exam fits with your career path. You want to ensure the credits you earn will be applied toward your degree program before testing out.

Using CLEP to earn credits is a great way to save money on college and graduate faster.

Want to find out more about how you can use Credit-by-Exam to accelerate your degree at your specific school? Have our team identify all of the eligible courses, and while they’re at it, tell you how much it will cost to prep for each course using Smarter.

Ready to get started? Know precisely which courses your school will let you CLEP. Get your Prep Course Plan today.