STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Elle · Hermes

Anyone ever challenged a class?

Kelly · Hermes

I did it a bit differently than you, but before I went to college I sent them a portfolio of some of my previous writing and they gave me credit for two English classes, so I didn't have to take them. They did make it widely known that this option was available, though, and encouraged me to do it.

But a lot of my friends did this with their language classes and were placed in higher levels, so I know quite a few people for whom traditional challenging (testing) worked out.

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

They had this option at my college - we had to submit a writing piece in order to opt out of English 101. I submitted mine but it didn't work out :(

Jahni · Dooney & Bourke

I did this for English Comp I and II.

For Comp I, I took a test on the computer. It was really easy and not anything you would have to study for. The computer gave me my score instantly and it was no big deal.

For Comp II I submitted samples of my writing.

I say go for it!

Elle · Hermes

Thanks so much guys! Your responses make me feel better about attempting this! The stupid thing is that when you take your entrance exams for placement, the highest you can possibly place is into Eng. 121 (same as Eng. Comp. I for you I think Jahni). And all that requires is correcting grammar and punctuation for a very short essay!

I talked to an advisor at school yesterday, and they outsource everyone who challenges to an independent testing center for the generic test appropriate to that level. I was a little worried when I thought I'd have to write an actual paper to submit! The computer testing and instant scores sound much easier to deal with, and technically I could take the challenge test 5 times if I needed before it cost as much as the class would

. If the challenge for 121 goes well, I'll probably attempt 122 as well - according to the advisor they don't take any sort of writing samples, only test-center scores

so hopefully I'd get away with no writing at all. If I can pass both it would save me 6 months and more than $800! Wheee!

I think I'll at least try ...

Hermione · Kate Spade

I've done it too (for English as well) - it's no big deal, and if you didn't pass (Which I doubt!) it's not like you'll really look dumb about having to take the class anyway, the registrars and teachers don't care, and it's not like the other students would know. (even if they did, I wouldn't judge someone for trying to do it and not making it)

Elle · Hermes

Apparently the advisors at my school are full of shit, and know nothing about anything. Nice, eh?

I've now talked to 3 people, the last finally knew what the real deal was. I have to drive to a farther-away campus and write 2 short essays, which are graded by someone in the Eng. department. If I get a C or better, I pass. Pass rate of approx 45%. And then I have to pay for the credits anyway. Fanfreakingtastic.

I sooooo hate 'the system'!

HeatherLynn · Gucci

I did the same as Jahni. Worked out well for me so I definitely say go for it!

kenzie · Chanel

Elle wrote:

Apparently the advisors at my school are full of shit, and know nothing about anything. Nice, eh?

I've now talked to 3 people, the last finally knew what the real deal was. I have to drive to a farther-away campus and write 2 short essays, which are graded by someone in the Eng. department. If I get a C or better, I pass. Pass rate of approx 45%. And then I have to pay for the credits anyway. Fanfreakingtastic.

I sooooo hate 'the system'!

What?! You have to pay for the credits anyway???? I tested out of a few classes and I never had to pay for the credits. That's ridiculous.

boobaby · Kate Spade

kenzie wrote:

Elle wrote:

Apparently the advisors at my school are full of shit, and know nothing about anything. Nice, eh?

I've now talked to 3 people, the last finally knew what the real deal was. I have to drive to a farther-away campus and write 2 short essays, which are graded by someone in the Eng. department. If I get a C or better, I pass. Pass rate of approx 45%. And then I have to pay for the credits anyway. Fanfreakingtastic.

I sooooo hate 'the system'!

What?! You have to pay for the credits anyway???? I tested out of a few classes and I never had to pay for the credits. That's ridiculous.

That sucks! I took the English AP test and tested out of comp (obviously this was when I was in HS, so not an option, I know). I had to pay to take the test, but paying for the class anyway is so stupid.