CLEP in Minnesota
Through the "Get Ready, Get Credit," legislative initiative, Minnesota high school students may take CLEP and AP exams at no charge through June 30, 2008. Minnesota provides funding for students to take up to six CLEP exams free of charge. Minnesota state colleges and universities will grant college credit for:
- Scores of 50 or higher on CLEP exams
- Grades of 3 or higher on AP Examinations
All students planning to take a state-funded CLEP exam must bring a signed authorization form to the test center. The Student Authorization Form and other documentation are available at the Minnesota Department of Education website.
Help your students take advantage of "Get Ready, Get Credit"
Ensure that your students and their parents get the information they need about this opportunity, including the educational and financial benefits and the registration process for taking the exams. In addition to general information about CLEP, they need to know:
- All enrolled Minnesota public and private, and home-schooled students are eligible; there is no minimum age.
- Up to six CLEP exam fees will be funded by the state regardless of the exam score. Students are responsible for paying the test center administration fee.
- Timing is important—the CLEP opportunity is available until June 30, 2008.
- Rigorous preparation through an advanced high school course and/or supplemental independent study is suggested and recommended.
- Students need a signed Student Authorization Form to take a funded CLEP exam at a college test center.
How can the College Board work with you to reach your students and their parents?
1. Order free CLEP flyers and brochures for distribution to staff, counselors, teachers, parents, and students.
- Minnesota student flyer: Provides basic information about the "Get Ready, Get Credit" legislation
- AP-CLEP brochure: Explains the benefits of both programs
- Information for Candidates bulletin: For students; information about exam registration, score reports, brief exam descriptions, exam-taking tips and CLEP program contact information.
- CLEP poster: Provides a space for counselor or test center contact information
2. Make sure your fellow staff members are informed. Counselors and teachers are the first line of communication with students and parents, so they need to be comfortable discussing the initiative. Let them know that they can order flyers and publications
3. Conduct a "Get Ready, Get Credit" postering campaign at your school. Order a supply of posters to hang on bulletin boards around your school.
4. Set up an information table in the cafeteria or anywhere students gather. CLEP will provide a table-top display, brochures, and other materials for a "Get Ready, Get Credit" table. Ask a staff member to hand out information and answer questions at the table. For more information, email clep@collegeboard.org.
5. Make "Get Ready, Get Credit" part of your college fairs. Invite attending colleges to bring copies of their AP and CLEP credit-granting policies. (All MnSCU colleges grant credit for a CLEP score of 50 or higher and for an AP score of 3 or higher.)
6. Read a Public Service Announcement (PSA) (.pdf/30K) during your morning announcements.
7. Coordinate with the PTO/PTA to help parents learn about the educational and financial benefits of "Get Ready, Get Credit." Order CLEP flyers and brochures
- Set up an information table at meetings.
- Do a short presentation for parents (.pdf/638K) about the legislation and hand out brochures and information.
- Include a short piece in the organizations' newsletters.
8. Talk about "Get Ready, Get Credit" during parent/teacher meetings. These one-on-one conversations are the ideal time for parents to get the information they need firsthand.
For more information about the "Get Ready, Get Credit" legislation:
Minnesota high schools may contact clep@collegeboard.org.
Students and parents should contact their high school guidance counselors.