Advisement Center
Student & Administrative Services Center, Rm. 1047 (570) 320-5228 or (800) 367-9222 · Fax: 570.327.4769
Alternative Credit Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Alternative Credit refers to academic credits earned through means other than traditional college course completion, including: credit by exam, articulation, proof of competency gained in high school, work/life experience, and advanced placement. The following questions and answers are those that apply College-wide. Each academic school has specific rules, requirements, and applications. See your academic school office for details specific to that academic area.
General Questions
- How will credits earned through alternative means affect my GPA?
- How does alternative credit display on my transcript?
- Can I use an alternative credit option to replace a low grade I received in a course?
- What alternative credit options are available for incoming students?
- What if I have questions about tech prep or military course work?
Credit by Examination
- Can I apply for credit by exam if I'm not currently enrolled?
- Is the credit-by-exam option available for all courses?
- How do I know if I have the skills/knowledge necessary to pass the exam for a specific course?
- Do I need permission from my academic adviser?
- Can I decide to use this option after I'm already enrolled in the course?
- Is there a fee for credit by examination?
- If I fail the exam, can I take it again at another time?
- Where do I go to request an exam?
Credit for Work/Life Experience
- How can I apply for work/life credit?
- Who will review my request and make a decision?
- Will I have to demonstrate my skills or answer any questions?
Credit through Advanced Placement (AP)
Q: How will credits earned through alternative means affect my GPA?
A: Alternative credits are applied toward your graduation credit requirements, but they are not used in GPA calculations.
Q: How does alternative credit display on my transcript?
A: Upon completion of at least 12 credits at Penn College, the appropriate course number, title, and number of credits will be recorded on your transcript. No letter grade will be recorded.
Q: Can I use an alternative credit option to replace a low grade I received in a course?
A: No, alternative credit options are not approved for courses in which students were previously enrolled.
Q: What alternative credit options are available for incoming students?
A: High school counselors or faculty complete competency checklists that help us determine if work done at the high school or vocational-technical level qualifies students for college credits.
Also, students may qualify for credit through documented scholastic achievement and/or advanced placement exam scores.
Credit by examination is another means of demonstrating mastery of the objectives of specific college courses and earning credit for those courses.
Additional information is available through the Admissions Office.
Q: What if I have questions about tech prep or military course work?
A: Each school handles these issues differently. See your school office for answers to your questions.
Q: Can I apply for credit by exam if I'm not currently enrolled?
A: No, only currently registered Penn College students (including new enrollees) are eligible.
Q: Is the credit-by-exam option available for all courses?
A: No, only 100- or 200-level courses are eligible.
Q: How do I know if I have the skills/knowledge necessary to pass the exam for a specific course?
A: Obtain a copy of the course syllabus and evaluate your competence against the course objectives. If you are still uncertain, discuss the matter with the course instructor.
Q: Do I need permission from my academic adviser?
A: No, although it’s always in your best interest to discuss such decisions with your adviser. You are, however, required to obtain permission from the dean of the school administering the exam and the instructor of the course.
Q: Can I decide to use this option after I'm already enrolled in the course?
A: Although we recommend making this decision prior to enrolling in the course, you can make arrangements to take the test any time prior to completing 20 percent of the scheduled instruction (i.e., by the end of the third week of a full semester course). Standard tuition refund policy applies if you earn the credit.
Q: Is there a fee for credit by examination?
A: Yes, there is a nonrefundable $50 evaluation fee that must be paid prior to taking an exam.
Q: If I fail the exam, can I take it again at another time?
A: No, an examination for a specific subject may be taken only once.
Q: Where do I go to request an exam?
A: Application must be made in writing to the dean of the school administering the exam. Contact the appropriate school office for details or visit the school’s Web site.
Q: How can I apply for work/life credit?
A:
- Obtain a copy of the course syllabus to verify that your experience matches up to the course description and objectives.
- In written form, provide evidence and rationale for your request. Explain in detail how your experience meets or exceeds the course curriculum and objectives.
- Contact the school office to obtain specific submission requirements (some schools provide formal applications that should accompany your documentation, while others require only a cover letter).
- Pay the nonrefundable $50 evaluation fee at the Bursar's/Student Accounts Office.
- Present your receipt and submission materials at the school office.
Q: Who will review my request and make a decision?
A: If the dean determines you are a candidate for work/life credit, he or she will appoint a committee to assess your request based on your documented experience and the objectives of the course.
Q: Will I have to demonstrate my skills or answer any questions?
A: The committee may request an interview and may require you to complete practical exercises and/or tests where applicable.
Q: Does Penn College accept Advanced Placement credits?
A: Yes. Incoming students can receive Advanced Placement credits through AP, SAT, or CLEP testing. Final determination is based on the exam score.
Q: How do I apply for Advanced Placement at Penn College?
A: After completing an AP course and the AP/CLEP test, identify Penn College as the recipient of the official scores. You will receive notification of the College’s decision. The credits will be recorded on your transcript after you have completed 12 credits at Penn College.