For Students trying to finish faster

I want to accelerate my time to a degree.

Review hidden methods to earn your college degree faster and save money in the process. Here are a few suggestions from CollegeTransfer.Net for students trying to finish college faster.

1. Take classes over the summer, in the evening or on a weekend that count toward degree requirements. If you are going home for the summer, you can find courses to take at your local community college, or you can take online courses from your current institution. Check to make sure the courses are approved before doing so with your academic advisor.

2. Test out of taking courses. CLEP, DSST, IB, AP and other tests are taken by thousands of students each year as a way to skip courses you already know and can demonstrate your knowledge of by scoring well on national or international tests. AP (Advanced Placement Tests) are taken by millions, but not all apply for the course credit when enrolled. Check with your institution to see what options they have for testing out of courses.
 
3. Petition for Experiential Learning Credits with a Portfolio. If you have had significant life experiences, such as living in another country and learning a foreign language, you should strongly consider testing out of the courses or applying for credit through a formal assessment process called PLA.
 
4. Enroll in Adult Completion Programs. If you have some college credits under your belt and you are ready to handle the challenge of completing your degree on a fast track, explore Adult Completion Programs that offer evenings and weekend courses mixed with online courses.
 
5. Convert your Military and Corporate Training to College Course Credit. There are thousands of course recommendations already prepared for courses evaluated by ACE (American Council on Education) and approved by many colleges and universities.
 
6. MOOC's Self study. You may have heard of MOOC's.  MOOC's are open and free courses to take online - such as MIT and Stanford Edx courses.  Very few MOOC's have proven to be transferable to college degree requirements.  If you can handle the extra effort and independent learning though, there are thousands of open and free online courses you can take on your own. Then, you can petition your institution for an assessment (exam in most cases) or find an institution that has developed complimentary study guides and exams. This is a new and growing field.  
 
7. Go year round and take the maximum number of courses per term or semester you are allowed. Remember, if you are full-time, you can take up to a certain number of credit units. Many people take 3 to 6 credit units below the maximum, which makes time to degree longer. It is challenging, but if you can take the work, then try sustaining a larger load of classes.
 
 

Related Articles and Topics

Explore the Top Ten Reasons Students and Learners Transfer Colleges and Universities. Transfer can be proactive and reactive. See how your circumstances stack up against the common characteristics leading students to change institutions and their programs of study.

Choosing Your Major: A list of popular college majors and resources you can review such as related occupations, salary and the types of tasks, work environment and expected requirements. Match your interests and explore what majors that will motivate you to finish college.

The Undecided Major: As a student continuing your college education, you will probably be asked one question more than any other: “What’s your major?” You might be embarrassed to not have an answer and a declared a major. Here is a short article on how to cope with be undecided.

Majors Safe From Outsourcing: Review the top list of programs and majors safe from outsourcing in today's global economy.

I Want to Change My Major or Choose My Major: Don't rush into choosing a major just because everyone asks you "what is your major?" A major is not a life sentence. It is just a concentration that proves you can focus and apply yourself.

Best Jobs by College Majors: The top ten majors are analyzed to show annual earnings. Majors like Biology, Business Management, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, English, History, Political Science and Psychology are ranked based upon average salary.

Credit for Life Experience: Life is learning. Colleges and Universities are giving credit for life experiences that relate to courses they offer. Explore PLA (Prior Learning Assessment) and the growing acceptance of it.

Testing Out of College Courses: Think you have to take every course required by your college or university? Think again. If you have the knowledge, take an exam and skip the course. These examinations are well respected and supported by many institutions.

Other Articles and AskCT Questions may be worth exploring.

Assess Myself

I need help assessing my potential.

I don't know what I want to do.
What career is right for me?
What should I major in?

Assessing your values, aptitudes, personality, interests and skills now will help later when it's time to change or choose a career or program of study.

Explore the CollegeTransfer.Net's Self-Assessment Center

Career Center

How can I relate future employment to my major?

Explore Industries and the job market.
Profile interests, requirements and tasks.

Research industry growth. Find jobs that match your interests. Compare opportunities..

Explore the CollegeTransfer.Net's Career Center

Requesting Transcripts

I need help assembling my academic record

Most colleges and universities maintain computer systems capable of generating a complete record of your academic experience including enrollment, attendance and grades. It is your right to request a copy of your official academic transcript and to request copies be forwarded on your behalf to other institutions or others who may require them. Not many people keep their academic transcripts after they graduate.

It is strongly recommended you request a transcript at the end of each term and academic year you are enrolled. Retain copies for proof of enrollment and completion.  Enter your academic history in the Student Passport - which offers to help you find the best transfer options given your coursework, training and examinations.  If you are transferring or planning on attending graduate school, you will be required to request official transcripts from all of the institutions you have attended.

Read more about the transcript request process.

Best Of

Find the Best Colleges and Universities supporting College Transfer policies making it easier for you to finish your degree faster.

Find the Best Majors and Programs offered. Request information and compare. Keep track of your interests.

Find the Best States Supporting Transfer students. Link to College and University Transfer Profiles to review enrollment and transfer policies.

Find the Best Transfer Courses by College and University using the Search For Equivalencies Online. No logging in. Just enter your from and to and compare courses across schools who have published their prior course decisions. There are over 3 million course equivalencies in our database synchronized with our source schools.

Find the Best Transfer Agreements and Transfer Guides using the Search For Transfer Agreements Online. No Logging in. Just enter your from and to and compare agreements that can save you thousands of dollars in tuition and fees if you follow them. There are over 18,000 agreements published in our database.

Open a Student Passport to compile your academic history including course examinations for credit, training and experiential learning credits. Then, find the Best Colleges and Universities that will accept your academic history and prior credits with a push of one button. Save your work and keep it updated. Keep bookmarks of what schools you are considering. Secure and Share your information.



This article was written by AcademyOne's CEO and Founder David K. Moldoff who has worked in higher education for over thirty five years. Mr. Moldoff has been developing student centered enrollment systems since the 70's spanning multiple institutions, policies and practices. Mr. Moldoff graduated from Drexel University through the cooperative education program and majored in economics with a minor in marketing.
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