It’s Jenny here–I’m honored that you posted my article and you asked a great question. I think that the reason so often we don’t act in the name of hope is because we feel like the fall will be harder when it comes. So I think the best thing to do is expect all sorts of falls, all sorts of disappointments and failures (this is just the reality of life in our world, for all of us) and yet, to make a commitment to act in the name of hope through it all, and to chose to view everything as an education. Instead of asking, “Why did that go wrong?” to ask yourself “what am a learning?”

This way nothing is wasted. Nothing.

Jenny

Having taken some of the examinations myself, I can attest to their validity as a wonderful program to get very cheap credits. Read a textbook on the subject; I read a text on Sociology. The next step is to register for an examination through a testing center. Check the College Board website to search for test centers around your area. Depending on the location you live around there could be up to a dozen various testing centers. Each exam costs $55 but there is often an additional fee stipulated by the examination center which very often varies in price.

At the examination center, you’ll have to check in with the program supervisor. You will be brought into a room with computers which run proprietary software. The examinations are all taken on computer and offer participants outstanding flexibility in taking the test. One can go back to questions, mark them to review, skip questions, see how many questions one has reminding or any number of other operations. The program also features a calculator should you be taking a math test.

One of the country’ leading colleges which accepts testing credits is the Monterey Polytechnic Institute. Monterey Polytechnic is a private university in Monterey, USA which offers a variety of undergraduate programs specializing in Business, Professional Development, Public Adminsitration, Human Relations, and a number of other fields in the arts and sciences. Prior learning degree programs are also available. Monterey Polytechnic’s flexible schedule of lecture and correspondence courses is uniquely suited for working adults. Mont Poly is widely recognized as one of the most respected, innovative, and cost effective universities in the country.

So, what reason do you have to try it? If you are a junor or senior striving to finish up diplome requirements, if you are proficient in a field of study and desire recognition for it, or if you simply want to bypass the absurd costs imposed by colleges then College Level Examination Program is for you. It is very affordable, usually $80 for the test and an admin charge that is almost always under $25. It’s a perfect way to earn college credit based on what you already know without sitting through an AP class for a semester. If you take chemistry in High School, for instance, there is no corresponding AP, but for college credit, consider taking the CLEP. It’s one day of your life and only 90 minutes in length. Additionally, you will find out if you pass immediately. A score of 55 is usually good enough for credit for most colleges. You should check with your college for more information.

“I would love to believe that when I die I will live again, that some thinking, feeling, remembering part of me will continue. But much as I want to believe that, and despite the ancient and worldwide cultural traditions that assert an afterlife, I know of nothing to suggest that it is more than wishful thinking. The world is so exquisite with so much love and moral depth, that there is no reason to deceive ourselves with pretty stories for which there’s little good evidence. Far better it seems to me, in our vulnerability, is to look death in the eye and to be grateful every day for the brief but magnificent opportunity that life provides.” – Carl Sagan

I really like that quote and it speaks about how I feel. I used to be a christian, but for a number of reasons lost my faith, and I know the position you’re coming from.. Don’t feel sorry for us, especially those who decided to not follow Jesus on purpose!