Chemistry CLEP vs AP

[Corraleno]

Our state university offers full credit for General Chemistry I & II (8 credits) for an AP score of 3 or a CLEP score of 63.

Has anyone taken one or both of these? Any idea which score would be easier to attain?

TIA,
Jackie

[MomsintheGarden]

Hi Corraleno,

My two oldest took the AP Chemistry exam, and my oldest has taken a couple of CLEPS, so I *think* I can answer your question.

First of all - what a generous CLEP/AP policy your son's future school has! It's great you are thinking ahead to take advantage of the time & cost savings for college.

When deciding about CLEP vs. AP, please consider the following.
1. What will your son's major be? If he is planning to major in Biology, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or the like, or if he is thinking about someday going to medical school, I'd strongly urge him to intensively study for the AP test. He will need a very strong background in chemistry, shooting for a 5 on this exam if possible.
If your son is not planning to do the above, but is hoping to fulfill the gened science requirement, then the CLEP test will be just fine.
2. Is your son COMPLETELY decided on your state U? If not, I'd recommend the AP. It's accepted at more schools and for more programs.

Now that you've considered the above, I'll try to tell you what we've learned about CLEP vs AP.

I believe (and my two oldest dc do, too) that CLEPs are easier than APs. Most CLEPs are multiple-choice (MCs) only, and all are 90-minute tests. All APs have MCs and free response sections, with partial credit given for the FR questions. However, a score of 63 is higher than the minimum recommended by the College Board (a 50), so it is very hard to say which would be easier for your son.

APs are only offered once a year in May; CLEPs can be taken anytime (you will need to call first to reserve a computer). You may take an AP test again, but you must wait until the next year; there is a 6-month wait to retake a failed CLEP test. Being able to schedule CLEPs on a student's own schedule is a huge benefit. Also, it is easier to call to schedule CLEPs at a local community college, etc., than to find a high school that will test your son and get them to order his test and test him.

CLEPs are taken exclusively on the computer, even the essays (good typing skills are a must for these exams); APs are strictly pencil and paper tests, although an ink pen is required for all free response questions.

Both my two dc thought the AP Chemistry exam was difficult.

I hope this helps you decide!
GardenMom

[Corraleno]

Thank so much for all that info, GardenMom! I think my son would do much better with a computerized multiple-choice exam (he's dyslexic and a poor writer), so I think we will shoot for the CLEP.

He'll definitely be going to the state uni, since they have good programs in his areas of interest, plus he can live at home and tuition is FREE for full-time in-state students (paid for by proceeds from the state lottery). And since they also accept most CLEPs (although they require higher than minimum scores), I hope he can test out of a lot of the Gen Ed requirements while he's still homeschooled. It's a great deal all around!

Thanks again for the info,
Jackie

[Sandra in NC]

The CLEP Professor program is good.

You need to use it after having a chemistry class - but it's good review/prep for the CLEP.

http://www.diveintomath.com/products.cfm?product_id=595&session=now&prodID=298asjkd98&ajax=xml