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Burden of College Loans on Graduates Grows

By TAMAR LEWIN

Quoted from New York Times, April 11, 2011

"Student debt outpaced credit card debt for the first time last year and is likely to top a trillion dollars this year as more students go to college and a growing share borrow money to do so."

More on similar articles on Student Loan Nightmare: here.

Zander and his siblings use the Teach Yourself Method as their home study course. An 18 year old young man, he will attempt a unique feat and he wants to capture this in the new book that he will write - "How I Finished One Year of College in One Day".

Too ambitious?

Actually, it may seem so.

In order for him to be successful in this endeavor, he needs to save up to $620 for his CLEP tests and seating exam fees. Second, he needs to find a testing site that will allow him to take 5 CLEP tests in one day. The closest CLEP site to him allows only two (2) CLEP tests per day.

The 5 CLEP test is 6 college credits each for a total of 30 college credits. Six (6) credits in a university is one year of attendance or two semesters hours of work.

You probably think what I am thinking, his brains will be fried.

Why $620 only?

A CLEP test is $77 per course. The testing fee of a university or college is $40 (it could be cheaper in some other colleges). Thus, $120 x 5 = $620.

His main cost is just $620 for 30 college credits.

Now compare this amount to the community colleges' tuition fees in a student's freshman years. It is estimated to be about $3600 in-state fees and probably $6000 in out-of-state fees.

Your savings increases when you consider state and private universities. You are talking about $18,000 to $55,000 of savings on a freshman year.

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For his first CLEP test, Zander chose to test out on CLEP Biology. This CLEP test is equivalent to 6 college credits. In short, one full year's worth of College Biology. In many CLEP study guide sites, CLEP Biology is considered a course which is not too difficult but being 6 college credits, the topics are extensive.

Though with wishful thinking, we alloted 2 weeks to study this course. Zander took 4 weeks of part time studies to review this course. He spent approximately 2-5 hours a day while having a part time job internship.

We rode to Limestone College, which is 50 minutes from our place. We got lost. We were late for about 15 minutes. The proctor was kind of enough to accommodate us. He took this test for 50 minutes.

Zander's feedback on CLEP Biology is surprising. He told me that he came to the test site 100% confident he would great a high grade. Towards the end of the test, he was not that confident anymore. He clicked the "submit" button with hesitation. The test covered way beyond what he expected.

Zander passed CLEP Biology today. Congratulations Zander!

However, since his study plan is towards Medical School, he need to substantiate his home study program with tough sciences courses. James is studying for AP Physic in May 2011 and CLEP Chemistry.

He also wants to get rid of his College general education courses, so he plans to challenge some of his college English, math courses and electives so he can save up to 60 college credits.

It can be addicting to keep getting college credits at a fraction of the cost. It is great for a student's ego too. For the parents, you are very proud of your child. It is an achievement. You have so much bragging rights.

The incredible story of John Shea portrays a glimmer hope for those who want to go the alternative route to their college education and higher studies. This is all true. John Shea is currently going to Ave Maria Law School.

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Let us do the "snoopy dance" with you. Share with us your latest news at your own "study at home" quests. Remember, bragging is fine too.

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