Once you’ve made the decision to pursue distance learning, how do you know where to start? The answer to that question really depends on your situation in life at the moment. 

One of the easiest ways to earn college credit via distance learning is by taking credit-by-examination tests like CLEP tests. You don’t have to be of college age to take CLEPs. In fact, if you have a child in junior high or high school, they can take CLEP tests and earn college credit themselves! 

If you really want your child to get a jumpstart on life, they can even work towards earning a college degree before they graduate from high school. Here’s one way: once they finish a subject like history or math, have them take the corresponding CLEP test. That way the material will still be fresh in their minds, and they’ll be able to kill two birds with one stone, so to speak. For studying one subject in depth over a year (or however long it takes), they’ll be able to earn both high school and college credit at the same time! 

 Not only is this a way for your teenagers to use their time wisely, but also think about the huge advantage they will have upon graduation. At the age of 18 they could have earned both a high school and college diploma. They’ll be well-equipped to pursue whatever they’re interested in once they’re done with high school. There’s nothing like an early start! 

So how exactly does a high school student go about earning a college degree? In addition to earning credits, they’ll need to decide on what independent study college to enroll in so they can transfer those credits towards their degree. Personally I enrolled with Thomas Edison State College to get my English B.A. and had a great experience with them. Two other well-known independent study colleges are Charter Oak State College and Excelsior College. 

Once students acquire enough credits to earn their degree, they will then need to transfer those credits to the school of their choice. It’s important to make sure all the credits will transfer, especially if they are accumulated in different ways (for example, through tests, correspondence courses, etc.).  

Not every student is going to want to earn a college degree while in high school, and not everyone will have the time, need, or resources to do so. Still, why not give CLEP tests a chance? It won’t hurt a thing and the more credits one has under their belt, the better. It doesn't hurt to be prepared! 

Amanda Suryan is a 22-year-old homeschool graduate and former distance learning student. She has an amazing mini-course about accelerated distance learning called, "Five Reasons Why You Should Consider Becoming a Distance Learner!" To claim your FREE copy, visit: http://www.DistanceLearnerSite.com