Coaching for Credit: How My Student Graduated College Two Years Early Using CLEP

"I didn’t expect how far he’d take it."

When my son Kendyll told me he wanted to finish college early, I knew CLEP exams could help. What I didn’t expect was that two years later—just 24 months after high school—he’d walk across a college stage with his degree in hand.

This is the story of how we used CLEP testing to build a personalized college credit strategy—and how you can use CLEP to graduate early, save thousands, and avoid unnecessary coursework.

Starting Early with Purpose

We began planning the summer after Kendyll’s freshman year of high school. Too young for dual enrollment, we turned to CLEP exams for early college credit.

CLEP became the foundation of a college strategy designed to save time, cut costs, and reduce stress.

We:

• Researched his intended major

• pulled his target school's CLEP credit policy

• built a flexible, degree-aligned plan that could adapt as his goals evolved

Pro tip: If your student’s degree changes (and it probably will), CLEP’s flexibility gives you room to pivot without losing progress.

The First Failure—and the Turnaround

Kendyll’s first CLEP exam? He failed. And it rattled him.
For a moment, he questioned everything: Was CLEP really worth it? Was he smart enough?
But that moment became a turning point. He took ownership, reworked his study methods, and passed the next four CLEP exams in a row.

Each success built momentum—and with it came growth, discipline, and a powerful mindset shift:

• Not just earning credit with CLEP

• Not just saving tuition

• But becoming a confident, self-directed learner

The Strategy That Made It Work

Here’s how we built a real CLEP testing strategy that led to early graduation:

• Matched each CLEP exam to degree requirements using the university’s official credit chart

• Used ModernStates.org for free CLEP prep and exam vouchers

• Supplemented with study guides from Amazon (REA & Peterson’s)

• Focused on one exam at a time—2 to 4 weeks of prep per subject

• Verified credit transfer before registering for each test

Most families skip this step—study first, ask questions later. That’s how time and money get wasted.

What most people don’t see is the hours I spent digging through catalogs, verifying CLEP credit policies, and comparing degree plans across multiple colleges.
It’s rewarding work, but it can be incredibly time-consuming and frustrating—especially if you’re trying to piece it all together on your own.

Strategy first. Testing second. That’s how you win with CLEP.

Now, I offer this CLEP planning service through CLEPCoach.com—so families like yours can skip the confusion and start with a plan that actually works.

The Result: Two Years, One Degree

With 27 CLEP credits and dual enrollment courses, Kendyll entered college with sophomore standing—and graduated just two years after high school.

🎓 Bonus Win: His CLEP preparation also boosted his ACT score, landing a scholarship that paid him to attend University.

• No student loan debt

• No wasted semesters

• Just focused effort that delivered results

What I Learned (as a Coach and a Dad)

After 20+ years of helping students earn college credit with CLEP, I thought I knew it all. But guiding my own son taught me something deeper:

CLEP isn’t just a test. It’s a tool for self-leadership.

It’s never too early—or too late—to use CLEP testing to change your future.
A motivated freshman can earn credit. So can a parent going back to finish their degree.

All it takes is the right plan.

Want to Start Your CLEP Journey?

You don’t have to figure it out on your own.

1. CLEP Planning

   Get your personalized CLEP Strategy Plan—or meet one-on-one with a CLEP Planning Coach.

   We’ll help you:

   • Clarify your academic and career goals

   • Choose the CLEP exams that actually move you forward

   • Map out how those credits apply to your exact degree

   • Avoid the guesswork, wasted tests, and time-consuming mistakes

   You’ll walk away with a custom CLEP roadmap—tailored to your goals and timeline.

   Researching majors and policies shouldn’t be an uphill battle. Let us read the hundreds of catalog pages and uncover where your CLEP credits fit. Most schools won’t do that for you.

   That’s because selling you general education classes is their business. Ours is helping you finish faster.

2. The CLEP Mastermind

   You don’t need more forums. You need a focused community.

   The CLEP Mastermind is a private, high-support group designed for families and adult learners who want to fast-track college using CLEP.

   Weekly Q&A + live coaching calls
   CLEP Credit Matching Toolkit + expert resources
   Accountability, momentum, and feedback from people on the same path
   A place to celebrate wins—and get real support through challenges

   This is where progress happens.

   

3. Take Your Next Step

   Whether you’re planning for your teen or finishing your own degree, CLEP can change your timeline, your tuition bill, and your confidence.

   Want to save thousands in tuition?
   Graduate college early?
   Avoid unnecessary classes?

   Let’s build your Personalized CLEP credit strategy.

   ➡️ Book your CLEP Strategy Session
   ➡️ Join the CLEP Mastermind today