CLEP in Orientation
Why should you include CLEP in your new student orientation?
CLEP (College-Level Examination Program®) offers your students an academic head start. By earning credit through any of 34 examinations during orientation, capable students can satisfy their introductory requirements and move into upper-level course work sooner.
Offering CLEP testing during orientation also benefits your institution in the following ways:
Seal the deal for incoming students. According to a recent survey of CLEP candidates, 62% of students not currently enrolled say that the CLEP policies of the institutions they were considering would affect their decision to enroll.
Increase access for other entering students. CLEP can open up seats in lower-division courses for students who need that course work.
Help students move ahead in their course work, right from the start. A recent study (.pdf/326K) conducted at a major research institution showed that CLEP and non-CLEP students enrolled in a similar number of hours per semester. CLEP students took additional course work in the area where they received credit by examination, or they took additional elective courses.
Ideas for promoting CLEP to incoming students
Before orientation
- Encourage recruiters to share information about your CLEP policy while visiting high schools or hosting on-campus open houses.
- Include a copy of your institution's CLEP policy in the orientation/admissions mailing to admitted applicants.
- Make sure academic departments, academic support services, and financial aid are aware of CLEP's benefits, so that they can advise incoming students. Schedule meetings or presentations with staff and/or distribute handouts.
During orientation
- Include CLEP information in your orientation packets. Visit the Ordering Materials page to order the CLEP Take One brochure and other free CLEP publications.
- Download a free Microsoft Word template (.doc/165K) and create your own CLEP policy flyer.
- Order a free CLEP Tabling Kit and sponsor an exhibit at your orientation fair.
- If you have a test center, set up special testing times for students during orientation week.
- Feature your test center on campus tours and on your orientation website.
- If you don't have a CLEP test center on campus, use the test center search to determine the location of the center that is closest to your campus. Include this information in new student orientation packets.
The CLEP in orientation survey
In March 2006, we surveyed 1,300 test center administrators to learn more about new student orientation on their campuses. We asked questions about their orientation scheduling and involvement. We also asked if and how they presented information about CLEP to students during the orientation process. We received more than 300 responses. The information these responses provided will enable us to better support orientation on CLEP campuses.
Learn more by downloading the CLEP New Student Orientation (NSO) Survey, Summary of Results (.pdf/112K).