Does anyone know if there is a way to get college credits or a college degree without going to college?

Question

For example, ive been studying and learning college level subjects, even from college text books, but by self teaching, and i do not want to go all the way through learning somthing again that i already know, is there a test or something i can take to prove my knowledge or something without taking the classes? any help is greatly appreciated ^-^
Thanks
Lillian

Answer 1

Very often you can take placement tests to get out of going to the classes, but a college is likely to want to charge you for the credit you receive from their institution, which could be pricey.

I know a lot of folks that are going around the whole structured education thing just with their skills, really. I mean, I never went to college - self taught in my profession as a computer consultant and graphic designer. I've been working for myself for 10 years now.

The truth is that most employers don't bother to call the college you graduated from or ask to see your diploma. They don't have the time to mess around with all of that, particularly when they will be able to see very quickly if you know what you are talking about or not.

In my case, all they ever wanted to see was samples and hear my ideas for their projects. I researched the company before the interview, imagined their goal and what their challenges might be and I come off as very knowledgeable about their industry and have practical solutions.

Peace!

Answer 2

Hi,

I should start off by telling you, that if there is a way to earn college credits without attending college, then these credits are most likely from an inaccredited institution (useless).

I can understand your frustration in that you have no interest in taking classes that you have already taken on your own accord. Unfortunately the only way to be recognized for that effort is to actually attend college.

However, you do have an option. Most colleges and some university will allow you an option of testing out of a class. ask your addmissions rep of counsoler what their policy is on testing out. You will still have to register and pay for the class, but you may not have to sit through the whole class.

For example, say you are fairly proficient in mathematics and find most math classes boaring and mundane. You have already signed up for say, college algebra II, you may be able to take a standard test within a predetermined time from the begining of the class, (usually 14-21 days) from the start of class.

If you pass this cumulative test with satisfactory marks ("C" or above) then you will earn credit for that class without having to sit through it for 3/4 months. You should be able to do this with alot of your classes.

By doing so you are accompishing a few of things:
1. You are showing that you have the proficiency to pass these classes without attending.
2. You are earning additional credits without the time expenditure
3. You can add other classes to your load in the semester (once you have tested from a class)
4. POossibly graduate a little earlier.

Please remember that most institutions will require you to pay for a full class even if you test out of that class. Also, if you fail to test out of a class, the school may be less likely to offer you additional chance to test out of other classes. So, make sure that you are confident in your ability to test out of a class before attempting to do so.

Hope this helps,

Good luck.

Ask yo

Answer 3

I don't know about that, need to check with some of your local colleges. I do know that some will accept certain jobs as college credit. I was a police officer, and the local community was willing to give me some credits, don't remember exactly how many, I want to say around 25-30? But, unfortunately they were duplicates for ones I already had from army basic training, the police academy, and classes I had already taken.

Answer 4

The college I went to, allowed any student to take a final exam in any course. If they passed, they get credit(s) for the course.

It varies, cause some department directors or instructors prefer a student get approval from them, before taking the final exam, without attending the class.

Answer 5

Indeed, colleges will allow you to take finals and give credit if you pass; of course, you have to PAY for the credits to receive them.

Answer 6

Dear Lillian, i dont know which country you reside in, but in my country, unfortunately, having knowledge isnt enough, u need to have a certificate. i left my education midway 10yrs ago, now i want to continue my education. I have enrolled myself in distant learning institution. I study at home, i dont have to attend any classes and go to give my exams when they are conducted, of which the dated are given to me in advance.
So, i see distance education as a solution to your Q. Similarly, u may appear for other exams which you will have to find out in your country first. GOOD LUCK. Its good to continue to learn and educate oneself. KUDOS.