Do you wish you could fast-forward your college journey and graduate sooner? Guess what? You are not alone! Many students yearn to accelerate their academic progress, whether it is to save time, and money, or simply go into their chosen field faster.
There are several ingenious ways to rack up college credits without getting stuck in the traditional, semester-long classroom grind. This article will reveal the secrets to hacking your way to college credit and reaching graduation day faster than usual.
We will explore a diverse range of options, from standardized tests to leveraging your previous knowledge and experience through credit-worthy exams. We will uncover hidden gems like earning credit for valuable life experiences.
Whether you are a high school student eager to get a head start or a current college student seeking to graduate earlier, this article has something for you. Read our article on the fastest ways to earn college credit.
Fastest Ways to Earn College Credit
1. AP Exams
- Cost: $97 per exam
- Ideal for High school students enrolled in AP classes
Enrolling in Advanced Placement (AP) courses during high school not only enhances your college applications but also prepares you for AP exams, which, if performed successfully, may lead to the acquisition of college credit.
There are 38 AP tests available, covering diverse subjects such as art history, biology, calculus, chemistry, English language and composition, music theory, and psychology. The required passing scores typically range from 3-5, varying among colleges.
High school AP coordinators play a role in facilitating exam registration through the College Board. Preparation for AP tests can be aided by tutors, AP teachers, and the AP Classroom, which offers study resources like videos and progress checks.
2. Accelerated College Classes
- Cost: Varies
- Ideal for Working students, those with family obligations, or any college student
Conventional college courses typically extend over 14-15 weeks, punctuated by breaks between semesters for summer and winter holidays.
Accelerated college classes, frequently available for online degrees, progress at a much quicker pace. Courses ranging from 4 to 8 weeks are common, allowing for the completion of more classes within an academic year and facilitating earlier graduation.
Enrolling in accelerated classes follows a procedure similar to registering for traditional courses. However, it’s important to be mindful that if an accelerated course commences after the official semester start date, it may impact eligibility for financial aid.
3. CLEP Exams
- Cost: $93 in 2023-2024 (plus test center fee)
- Ideal for High school or college students seeking credit through College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams
CLEP exams assess your knowledge in subjects typically covered in introductory college-level courses. The College Board provides 34 exams, covering topics such as American government, business law, chemistry, psychology, sociology, and Spanish. This program enables you to accrue college credits at over 2,900 schools nationwide.
With over 2,000 test centers available across the country, finding a convenient location should be feasible. The exams generally last around 90 minutes.
4. DSST Exams
- Cost: $100 (plus administrative fees)
- Ideal for Undergraduate and graduate students, including veterans and active-duty military personnel
DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) are no longer exclusive to military personnel and their families; now, they are accessible to all college students as a means to accumulate college credit.
DSST testing centers are available on both college campuses and military bases. Prometric facilitates remote exam proctoring for approximately 30 subjects, encompassing areas like ethics, astronomy, and criminal justice.
Each exam provides the opportunity to earn up to 2.5 college credits, though acceptance of results varies among schools. It is essential to conduct thorough research on institutional policies before opting for these exams.
5. TECEP Exams
- Cost: $52-$77
- Ideal for College students at any institution
The Thomas Edison Credit-by-Examination Program (TECEP) enables students to gain credit for applicable job experience, volunteer work, or independent studies. Offering 43 exams that encompass subjects such as English composition, public speaking, news reporting, psychology, nutrition, and operations management, TECEP presents a variety of choices.
TECEP supplies freely accessible resources to aid in studying, and the exams predominantly consist of multiple-choice questions. Evaluation is conducted on a credit/no credit basis, determined by achieving a minimum score, with no impact on your GPA.
6. Certifications & Licenses
- Ideal for Creating career opportunities and earning college credit
Beyond opening doors for career progression, obtaining certificates and licenses can also result in the accrual of college credits. These credentials can be acquired through professional organizations, state agencies, as well as vocational schools, junior colleges, and universities.
Common licenses and certificates, such as those in nursing and information technology, are recognized as eligible for college credit.
7. Military Experience
- Ideal for: Veterans or active-duty servicemembers
For veterans or those currently serving in the military, there is a potential opportunity to receive college credit for their training and experience.
The American Council on Education assesses your military records to determine eligibility and incorporates this information into your Joint Services Transcript (JST).
Each educational institution has its specific policy for granting credits, but more than 2,300 schools acknowledge credits based on the JST. Certain colleges with a focus on supporting the military may provide additional advantages for service members and their families, so it’s recommended to review their respective websites.
8. Volunteering
- Ideal for Earning college credit while gaining experience
It is possible to accumulate college credit while acquiring practical work experience and expanding your professional connections. Engaging in internships and volunteer work offers an excellent avenue to earn credits beyond the conventional classroom setting while simultaneously enhancing your resume.
Certain educational institutions may recognize and grant credit for pertinent volunteer activities accomplished before enrollment or offer internships that count for class credit during your college years.
It’s advisable to explore opportunities with both local and global non-profit entities and organizations. Academic advisors can assist you in identifying suitable internships and volunteer opportunities.
9. NYU Language Exams
- Cost: $329-$629
- Ideal for: Students at NYU and elsewhere, working professionals
NYU’s School of Professional Studies now provides online language proficiency exams tailored for working professionals, college students, teachers, and government employees seeking to validate their language skills. The exams cover 30 languages, such as French, Armenian, Bengali, Hebrew, Hindi, and Japanese.
You have the flexibility to select from three exam options based on your objectives: a 4-point exam, a 12-point exam, and a 16-point exam (with points corresponding to college credits). These comprehensive exams encompass reading, writing, and listening components, along with oral assignments and multiple-choice questions.
10. Excelsior College Exams
- Cost: Varies
- Ideal for College students willing to test for credit
Excelsior College Exams, also known as “UExcel” exams, constitute a credit-by-examination initiative offered by Excelsior College. These exams acknowledge and reward individuals for their self-directed study efforts. By showcasing proficiency in diverse subject areas, participants can acquire college credit. Excelsior offers complimentary exam content guides and study materials.
Accepted by numerous institutions, UExcel exams provide a means to expedite degree programs, saving both time and money. Exam specifics, including credit values, test formats, and costs, vary. Live proctoring facilitates remote exam-taking, and test-takers also have the option to participate in person at a Pearson VUE test center.
11. GRE Subject Tests
- Cost: $205
- Ideal for Graduate students applying to graduate school or fellowships
The GRE Subject Tests evaluate your understanding of chemistry, mathematics, physics, or psychology and typically last around two hours and 50 minutes. Scores are measured on a scale from 200 to 990.
These tests are available in September, October, and April. Planning is advisable since preparation usually takes 1-3 months. Candidates can benefit from a complimentary practice book to aid in their preparation.
12. University Challenge Exams
- Cost: $100-$200
- Ideal for College students at participating institutions
Certain courses enable students to bypass mandatory coursework through successful completion of University Challenge Exams. These exams concentrate on distinct subjects like arts and humanities, computer science, legal studies, mathematics, and others.
The exams follow a pass/fail grading system. In the event of failure, candidates can retake the exam after a designated waiting period, though this necessitates paying the registration fee anew. Registration for University Challenge Exams is conducted directly through your college or university.