some question about online courses

[Eagle.K.Y]

Hi, guyz

I just done my 2nd exam lately. I was thinking about taking one econ VEE course during the summer. I was wondering if anyone of you could introduce a little bit about online courses choices. I mean, as I known, there are actex and NEAS offering such courses online, however, there was no econ courses from actex. does that mean the only choice for me is NEAS?

anyone has taken those courses online b4? any suggestion?

I do really appreciate that

[Dahlia]

I've only taken NEAS online courses, not for economics though, but they were pretty much painless to complete.

[vjvj]

Hi, guyz

I just done my 2nd exam lately. I was thinking about taking one econ VEE course during the summer. I was wondering if anyone of you could introduce a little bit about online courses choices. I mean, as I known, there are actex and NEAS offering such courses online, however, there was no econ courses from actex. does that mean the only choice for me is NEAS?

anyone has taken those courses online b4? any suggestion?

I do really appreciate that

Take 2 econ VEEs during the summer. Don't use NEAS. Take the CLEP tests. They are not online courses, just tests you take after self-study. But they are easier, cheaper, and all-in-all more convenient. There are several threads here that tell you exactly how to easily pass the exams. One is called CLEP=CAKE (which is true, by the way).

[Hawkeye16]

I've only taken NEAS online courses, not for economics though, but they were pretty much painless to complete.

I don't know what CLEP is so I am going to recommend NEAS as well, very painless.

[vjvj]

I don't know what CLEP is so I am going to recommend NEAS as well, very painless.

Just to not get out-voted, I'll stress, again - TAKE THE CLEP. It is easier. It is cheaper. It is more convenient. You can find a link to the CLEP website from the SOA list of approved VEE alternatives. Threads here, including the one I mentioned above, tell you exactly what to do to easily pass. Read and follow the instructions in the thread. It is a piece of cake - way less effort than NEAS, way less cost than NEAS, way more convenient than NEAS.

[SamidV]

I agree, TAKE THE CLEP. Most of us are used to a high level of pain so we tend to forget we can choose the easy path sometimes. TAKE THE CLEP. You won't need more than 5-8 hours for both exams. There's really not muich to think about.

[bikram]

It is a piece of cake - way less effort than NEAS, way less cost than NEAS, way more convenient than NEAS.

I will second this opinion as well.

NEAS summary :
Effort -two separate modules (macro and micro) with some 24 online chapters for each of them. In addition recommended books have to bought and studied. Each module takes up about eight weeks of effort. Then there are final exams for each of the two modules. At even 8 hours per chapter (for reading/understanding/homework/visiting the NEAS online forums etc), we are easily looking at 240+ hours.
Cost - upwards of $450, for the two modules. Plus the cost of books (another $150)?
Convenience - eight weeks of effort + mailing in homework in batches + other time spent in going online and offline etc

CLEP Summary
Effort - individuals here have reported a total of some 60 hours in essentially memorizing the material and passing the CLEP exams with scores well in excess of the minimum required to pass
Cost - $140 for the two CLEP exams
Convenience - usually takes say a week each for preparing and taking the exam + no homework + there isn't a real need for continously having to refer to material online etc

Additional info on the CLEP is found here -
http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/reg.html

I would also add that for other VEE's (non-Economics), NEAS can certainly be considered a worthwhile investment.

[vjvj]

Effort - individuals here have reported a total of some 60 hours ...

Nice comparison!

And as much as your comparison already points strongly to CLEP, I think you've even overestimated the hours here by quite a bit.

[CowboyGuy]

But I think CLEP requires to be enrolled in University while no such condition is associated with NEAS.

Futher, CLEP doesn't offer its program in many countries, even my country (Pakistan) is not in the list...

[vjvj]

But I think CLEP requires to be enrolled in University while no such condition is associated with NEAS.

Futher, CLEP doesn't offer its program in many countries, even my country (Pakistan) is not in the list...

CLEP can be taken by anyone. They have no restrictions on age, whether you're in school, etc. The most common use of the test is to gain college credit and their website is geared toward that, but it is not a requirement. I was not enrolled in a University when I took the tests.

Right. If they don't offer CLEP near you, you're out of luck and NEAS is probably the next best choice.

[Eagle.K.Y]

Guyz, really appreciate sharing experience. I did choose NEAs this time for MicroEcon first. I am hoping I can pass 2FM, and have 3F in Nov. this year. Besides, it's quite busy during these 2~3 months for my jobs, so, online course should be more easier for me to handle.

anyway, again, thanks for everyone of you, you guys rock....

[pernishus]

I did NEAS just because I couldn't get myself motivated enough to actually set a date for CLEP. If I didn't have a set date where I had to take the test or waste $300 of company money, I'd never get through this material.

[vjvj]

I did NEAS just because I couldn't get myself motivated enough to actually set a date for CLEP. If I didn't have a set date where I had to take the test or waste $300 of company money, I'd never get through this material.

Wow. That is truly sad.

Didn't it take at least as much effort to get set up with NEAS than it would have been to set up a date with CLEP?

Congrats anyway!

[Delothus]

I'm hoping SOA recognizes the University of Phoenix soon...Might even do my masters in Stochastic Differential Equations between exams then...

[vjvj]

I'm hoping SOA recognizes the University of Phoenix soon...Might even do my masters in Stochastic Differential Equations between exams then...

You've already taken the classes? Don't just hope - help UoP apply to get the courses approved. The forms and instructions can be found on the SOA website.