<p>Madison, with all due respect, HOW you are going to pay for college should be the FIRST step in the college application process. The OP to this thread has indicated that he would prefer to attend some rather pricey private schools that his parents cannot afford to pay the full costs of attending. Yes, IF the college accepts CLEP courses that will reduce the number of terms, possibly. But this will NOT reduce the costs WHILE this student is in attendance.</p>
<p>Also, many schools will accept your CLEP scores and give you credits, but very often this does not reduce the time spent in college. Most schools will not allow CLEP credits to be used for courses within your major. This OP says they want to double major so courses in two majors would be required.</p>
<p>It is my opinion that the finances of college should be discussed with students BEFORE the application process begins. If the family has financial constraints of any kind, the student needs to understand what those are and how they will impact the matriculation choice. </p>
<p>Sure…apply to a financial reach, but be prepared to drop it from consideration IF the money doesn’t come through. And please…don’t fall in love with a school that you know is a financial stretch for your family.</p>