Since CLEP credit is recorded on your college transcript as pass/fail, what does that mean for your GPA? Well, that can be good *or* bad depending on your other scores.
CLEP exams don’t give you a grade – they are simply for “credit.” Let’s look at an example of a dual enrollment student’s semester (2 college classes + 2 CLEP exams).
Here is a sample:
Dual enrollment college class, grade A
Dual enrollment college class, grade A
CLEP, just barely passing score: credit
CLEP, just barely passing score: credit
GPA: 4.0
So, as you can see, there is some amount of strategy that can be applied. For example, say you are a “straight A” student, but not so hot at math. You can use classes to keep your beautiful GPA by taking the CLEP exam for math. A “just barely passing” score doesn’t do anything for your GPA.
But, here is an example where that same policy can work against you. Let’s say your student works their rear off for good CLEP scores but at the expense of their college dual enrollment classes. In this case, your teen can end up in a bad situation. Those high CLEP scores took time and attention away from the graded credit (college classes) and resulted in a low GPA.
CLEP, excellent score: credit
CLEP, excellent score: credit
Dual enrollment college class, grade B
Dual enrollment college class, grade C
GPA: 2.5
The verdict? Always focus the most attention on graded credit. If you still have extra time and brain space to do additional course work, you can add in a CLEP or two.
