Can you Test out of College Classes?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of testing out of college classes, specifically in the context of transferring to a new college after receiving a low grade in a previous course. Participants explore various experiences and suggestions regarding testing out of classes, including the use of CLEP tests and the importance of university-specific policies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the possibility of testing out of an Intro to Anthropology class after receiving a C- grade, expressing uncertainty about the transferability of the course.
  • Another participant shares their past experience of testing out of a course by approaching a professor, suggesting that the process may vary by university.
  • Some participants emphasize the need to check with the new university regarding their specific policies on testing out of classes.
  • Concerns are raised about the adequacy of reasons for requesting an exception, suggesting that personal dissatisfaction with a professor may not be sufficient.
  • One participant recounts successfully testing out of a statics course, which was necessary for continuing in a dynamics class, highlighting the importance of individual circumstances.
  • Another participant questions the nature of the exam taken to test out, seeking clarification on its format and content.
  • A later reply warns against assuming that the ability to test out is universally applicable, stressing the need for verification with the institution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the ability to test out of classes is highly dependent on the policies of the new university, and there is no consensus on a definitive process or outcome. Multiple competing views and experiences are presented without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the transferability of courses and the criteria for testing out may vary significantly between institutions, indicating that specific institutional policies and individual circumstances play a crucial role in the discussion.

Dan Card
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So I finished my first year of college and I'll be transferring to a new college where a C or better is required. However my Intro to Anthropology(100) class I had an absolutely terrible professor who gave me a C- and so now it won't transfer and I'm out of $1,400.

So my question is am I able to test out of this class and get credit for it at the college I'm transferring to? I know of CLEP tests but I'm unsure if they would have this class. Would I try to talk to someone within my new college and see if I can?

Thanks guys
 
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I was able to test out of one course... a number of decades ago :-) . But it was as a college newbie, not as a transfer. I just went to a professor in the department of interest--don't recall if they were the chairperson--and asked if I could take a test to try to test out of a class. They said sure.

I don't know if the lack of transferability of the course you took matters, or whether or not you need to specifically bring it up.
 
SunThief said:
I was able to test out of one course... a number of decades ago :-) . But it was as a college newbie, not as a transfer. I just went to a professor in the department of interest--don't recall if they were the chairperson--and asked if I could take a test to try to test out of a class. They said sure.

I don't know if the lack of transferability of the course you took matters, or whether or not you need to specifically bring it up.
Sweet, since it's an Intro class I really doubt that they would care that I want to test out of it :)
 
This is going to be very university-dependent. You have to talk to someone at the new university. You might think about coming up with a better reason for why they should make an exception in your case than "I didn't like my professor and he gave me a low grade".
 
When I transferred long, long ago, my statics course credit was not accepted. I was told I would have to drop out of dynamics for which statics was a prerequisite, even though I had the highest grade at that point in the dynamics class. I took an exam and got credit for statics, and was able to continue in the dynamics class.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
This is going to be very university-dependent. You have to talk to someone at the new university. You might think about coming up with a better reason for why they should make an exception in your case than "I didn't like my professor and he gave me a low grade".
Very true haha, I honestly could tell them that I went to that school took a class that didn't transfer and I just want to try and test out of that class. I think that would work
 
Dr.D said:
When I transferred long, long ago, my statics course credit was not accepted. I was told I would have to drop out of dynamics for which statics was a prerequisite, even though I had the highest grade at that point in the dynamics class. I took an exam and got credit for statics, and was able to continue in the dynamics class.
That's awesome! Also that exam, was it basically just like a final cumulative exam?
 
Dan Card said:
That's awesome! Also that exam, was it basically just like a final cumulative exam?

Before you jump up and down and get lost in the euphoria, I’m going to throw cold water all over this.

Many of the things said here are very school-specific! You must check with the institution that you intend to enroll in and verify that you can test out these courses. That is the ONLY definitive answer to your question.

Zz.
 
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Dan Card said:
That's awesome! Also that exam, was it basically just like a final cumulative exam?

Yes, it was a three hour final, probably from a previous semester. I worked the entire exam the first hour. Laid that all aside and worked it all again the second hour. After I checked to be sure my results agreed, I turned it in. Never saw a grade, but I'm pretty sure they were all correct.
 

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