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iStudySmart.com Courses
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Why should I use iStudySmart.com courses?
Our courses give you an transferable, affordale and portable way to pass CLEP, DSST (used by DANTES), ECE and some TECEP exams. Our prices are 20% to 40% lower than campus tuition and our competitors. We provide several convenient payment options. Our courses are available in three formats - Traditional, Advanced, and Premier. To find out which format is best for you, click here.You can study in your own space at your own pace! Every course is packed with the tools you need to pass your test and obtain credit by examination.
Can I see a sample of an online access Traditional course before I purchase?
We believe in the 'try before you buy' philosophy. So, we've developed iSS 101. This demonstration helps you understand how our courses work and shows how confident we are that our materials will help you obtain credit by examination. In each chapter, you'll be shown every aspect of our courses from buying your course to taking your sample exam. You need to be registered on our web site to use the demonstration. There is no cost or obligation, just access to more information Click here to register If you're already logged on to iStudySmart.com, click here to start the demo...
How do I know if I am learning the course material?
Simple, just take the iStudySmart.com Sample Exam after completing the assignments. Every course has a multiple-choice exam of test bank questions that determine how well you comprehend the material. The Sample Exam computes all of your answers and scores the results. At the end of the exam, you'll be able to identify which questions were answered correctly and which areas you need to work on.
Can I skip the assignment questions and go straight for the exam questions?
We believe reading plus writing equals retention. The Sample Exam is to be used as a way of measuring your retention of the course material. We will not guarantee a passing score on the real exam if you simply memorize the Sample Exam questions. The Assignments section is crucial to your success.
Are instructors involved with the course(s)?
No. The benefit of iStudySmart.com courses is the ability to work through an entire course without needing outside assistance. Use the Sample Exam as a guide to help determine how much of the material you have learned. There are also Forums available for you to post questions and receive input from other iStudySmart.com users. You can also call or email us and we will present your question to the writer to get your answer. Click here for our contact information and business hours.
When I save my answers, will someone review them and get back with me?
No. The benefit to iStudySmart.com is the ability to work through an entire course without needing outside assistance. The Sample Exam helps you determine how much of the material you have learned. Check out our Forums to post questions and receive input from other iStudySmart.com users.
Can I communicate with other people about the courses?
Yes. Visit the iStudySmart.com Forums to get/give help, and encouragement. You will enjoy sharing testing experiences, and building relationships with your fellow students. A local study group or online study group can be formed when you find people interested in the same course. Always remember that you are not alone in reaching your goal!
Is this program accredited?
iStudySmart.com is not a school that offers credit; therefore, we do not fall under the guidelines of having to be accredited. iStudySmart.com courses are study materials that help you pass CLEP, DSST, ECE, and some TECEP exams. The credit earned from through credit by examination can be transferred to colleges and universities for credit toward a degree. It is very important to make sure the college you are planning to receive your degree from is accredited. Accreditation is crucial regarding the college issuing your degree.
How long will it take to complete one course?
It depends on two things:
- the content of the course, and
- your study habits.
Some exams cover more information than others.
How many courses can I take at one time?
We suggest starting with one course. After you have completed the course and know what's expected of you, increase the number of courses as your schedule allows.
I'm not very good on a computer. Can I use the online access version of the Traditional Courses or the Premier online self-paced courses?
Sure you can! Some general typing skills are required but other than that, follow the simple instructions and you will be fine. You'll be impressed with how computer-friendly the courses are. If you don't have a computer or are still nervous about studying on the computer, you can use the workbook format and write everything down. The choice is yours.
Are there system requirements for iStudySmart.com courses?
Our online access Traditional courses will work with Windows or Macintosh systems of all sorts. Our Advanced and Premier online self-paced courses work with Windows systems. Sometimes there are issues related to settings a user might have chosen for their computer. If you have technical problems, the answer may be on our technical support webpage, or you can email support@istudysmart.com or call 1-800-737-2222.
Can I use iStudySmart.com courses if I live outside the United States?
Yes! You will pay a little more for shipping, so be sure to call us for the shipping and handling charges on workbooks and textbooks. The only drawback is there are limited testing locations for taking exams overseas. Be sure to contact the testing company about testing overseas. Find testing center information here...
Do iStudySmart.com courses require textbooks?
Yes. Part of the reason you can feel good about using an iStudySmart.com course is that it requires up-to-date collegiate textbooks. Our Assignments are formatted in such a way that using the textbooks will be easy and fun. We ask a question in the assignment section, then we give you the page number in the textbook to find the answer. No searching, we take you there. All you have to do is record the answer and study.
Do I have to purchase my textbooks from iStudySmart.com?
No. We encourage you to shop around, just get the correct edition by matching the ISBN number provided in the course description. To find the course description, click on the name of the course when you visit the iStudySmart.com Course List page.
Do I need to read the whole textbook?
No. It is not necessary to read the entire textbook. The courses are a guided note-taking process through the textbook. Start with the assignment questions. You will be given the page number in the assigned textbook where the answer can be found. Read enough of the text to formulate an answer. Type or write in the answer.
A CD-ROM came with my textbook. Is this part of the course?
No. The textbook publisher publishes the CD-ROM. The information is relevant to the text however, it is not necessary to download the information to use with iStudySmart.com courses. If you have any problems downloading the information on the CD-ROM, please contact the publisher of the textbook for assistance.
How long will iStudySmart.com store the answers to my online access Traditional course assignment questions?
iStudySmart.com will keep your answers for as long as you are using them. If your course remains inactive for more than 1 year, we may have a need to remove them from our storage facility. If you need to renew access, contact support.
Buying iStudySmart.com Courses
How do I get started?
Registering is the first step to buying an iStudySmart.com course. We'd like to know who you are and how better to serve you. We have taken every precaution to keep the information you provide for us secure and private. When you're finished registering, you will be given a personalized home page with the information you need.
After you register, you'll have at least three links that will take you to a page listing the courses that we provide via the Internet or in a workbook format. There will be a 'Courses' link in the top, a 'Buy Now' link on the side in blue, and a 'Show Me the Courses' link near the bottom of the page.
After using one of these links, you'll just click the 'Add to Cart' button associated with the course and format you want, then follow the instructions from there. Now you're ready to get started.
What comes with an iStudySmart.com Course?
When you purchase iStudySmart.com materials you will receive:
- Assignment questions to teach you the material you need for the exam.
- Sample Exams to let you know if you're ready for the exam and alert you to weak areas to concentrate on.
- Forums to communicate with other students.
- Access to our staff for any questions about the program or problems you might encounter.
- Textbooks can be purchased from us, but are sold separately from the course.
To read more about these items, click here...
What format should I choose: Traditional, Advanced or Premier?
The format you choose depends on you and how you prefer to study. If you want to be able to log-in from any computer with a high speed internet connection, you might prefer the online access Traditional courses or the Permier self-paced online courses. There are always those who learn better when writing down the information which makes the workbook format better for them.
Do I have to purchase my textbooks from iStudySmart.com?
We'll understand if you want to shop around, but be sure to get the right version by matching the ISBN number provided in the course description. To find the course description, click on the name of the course when you visit the iStudySmart.com Course List page.
Can I use my tuition reimbursement or scholarships for iStudySmart.com materials?
Policies for use of tuition reimbursement or scholarship monies are determined by the organization giving the money. You would need to check with your Human Resources or Benefits department to find out. We are glad to talk to those departments for you if they need further information about who we are.
How do I purchase textbook(s)?
You can secure your textbook during or after you purchase your course(s). You'll notice that your 'Home' page changes after you've purchased a course. If you didn't purchase your textbook when you got your course, you can simply click on the link under the welcome statement called 'Buy Your Textbooks' and then follow the directions to get your books.
When can I expect my textbook(s) to arrive at my house?
Textbook orders are processed daily during regular business days. You should receive your textbook(s) in a week to ten days. Students outside the continental United States will be charged for international shipping expenses. Be sure to call iStudySmart.com for those totals.
What is SmartClub?
SmartClub is a membership to the online access Traditional courses. Members of SmartClub do not pay the individual course fee of $225. However, members still need to purchase their textbooks to go with the courses. As long as your membership is current, you will always have access to your courses. (At this time, College Algebra and Statistics are not available via the online access Traditional courses. Contact a service representative about getting these courses in another format.) Find out more about SmartClub here...
Costs and Payment Methods
Do you require contracts or minimum number of courses to be purchased?
No. You buy what you need, when you need it. However, for those who need two or more courses we have a one and two-year subscription called SmartClub. Find out more about SmartClub...
What type of payment methods will iStudySmart.com accept?
iStudySmart.com will accept check, check-by-phone, money order, cashiers check, as well as Debit and Credit cards. Debit and Credit cards must be VISA, MasterCard, AMEX or Discover. Find out more here...
Besides the courses, what other costs are involved?
Good question. With each course you will need to purchase a textbook(s). If you decide to pursue a degree, you'll have testing fees and college fees (i.e. enrollment, transfer of credits, etc.). However, all of these costs combined are, in most cases, less expensive than a traditional college degree.
Can financial aid be applied toward iStudySmart.com courses?
Federal loans or grants cannot be used for iStudySmart.com courses. However, some workplaces include our courses in their tuition reimbursement or education benefits package.
Do you have a guarantee?
All iStudySmart.com courses come with a full money-back guarantee. Read our guarantee here...
Do the fees I pay iStudySmart.com cover the exam fees or college fees?
No. The fees for the exams go directly to the testing company. At times, the facility administering the exam will charge a fee that will be paid directly to the facility. Any enrollment or student fees for transferring credit to the college of your choice is paid to the college, not iStudySmart.com.
Tuition Reimbursement
How do I use tuition reimbursement?
First, you will need to check with the Benefits Coordinator or HR person at your workplace. It may be that your company's policy is to reimburse you directly. If the company policy is to pay us directly, give us a call.
Who do I contact to get iStudySmart.com included in my workplace tuition reimbursement program?
Contact your educational consultant at iStudySmart.com. If you don't know who that is or don't have one, call our main number: 1-800-737-2222. We would welcome the opportunity to talk to the tuition reimbursement or benefits coordinator and give them whatever information they need.
I'm part of the HCA hospital system. How do I know if iStudySmart.com courses are covered under my tuition reimbursement plan?
HCA has endorsed iStudySmart.com courses for several years and many HCA hospitals reimburse employees for courses. However, you need to check with your HR department to know how this works at your particular facility. Some facilities have a Site License that automatically give you access, some facilities reimburse individually.
Exams
Where and when are the exams taken?
CLEP, DSST exams are taken at local colleges/universities. ECE exams are taken at Pearson Vue Professional Centers. Below are some links to help you find a testing center close to you.
Find Pearson Vue Professional Centers here...
Find CLEP Testing Center here...
Find DSST Testing Center here...
TECEP tests can be taken at any accredited college or university or at any public library. Contact a local college or university and find a full-time member of the testing office, full-time professor or full-time professional staff member. Contact OTA with questions at (609) 984-1181 or testing@tesc.edu.
What fees are there for exams?
Fees for the exam are paid to the testing company. Some testing centers will charge a fee that will be paid directly to the center. After you find a testing center, be sure to ask them about any additional fees. To find a list of testing fees for the exam (i.e. fees paid to the testing company), click here...
What are ECE exams?
ECE stands for Excelsior College Exams. These exams are written by Excelsior College and administered at Pearson Vue Professional Centers. Registration fees for these exams vary depending on the exam. For a complete listing of testing fees click here...
What are DSST exams?
DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Test) exams are standardized subject exams made available through DSST. They are administered at local colleges and universities. The registration fee is $80 per exam. DSST exams are used by the DANTES program.
What are CLEP exams?
CLEP stands for College Level Examination Program made available through Educational Testing Services. These exams are administered at local colleges/universities. The registration fee for these exams is $70 per exam.
What are TECEP exams?
TECEP stands for Thomas Edison State College Examination Program. TECEP tests can be taken at any accredited college or university or at any public library. Contact a local college or university and find a full-time member of the testing office, full-time professor or full-time professional staff member. Contact OTA with questions at (609) 984-1181 or testing@tesc.edu. Click here for more information on TECEP exams...
What happens if I fail an exam?
If you follow our prescribed method of study, we guarantee you will pass the exam. However, if you should fail an exam, you can take it again. You would pay the registration fee again and repeat the exam at the testing center. It is not necessary to purchase our materials again.
Military
Are iStudySmart.com courses approved for VA loans or the GI bill?
No. Since iStudySmart.com courses are 'preparatory materials' for CLEP, DSST, ECE and some TECEP exams they are not approved for VA loans and GI bills.
Are there any benefits for military personnel?
Most testing companies offer free testing for military personnel. iStudySmart.com offers discounts on courses for those in service. We ask for some proof that you are active.
Nursing Courses and Programs
How do I get started in a nursing program?
The first thing you need to do is register with iStudySmart.com. Once you have decided what degree you want to pursue, determine what course you want to take first. Purchase the course, get the textbook, and begin studying.
Will my LPN/LVN credit transfer?
General education courses (Anatomy & Physiology, Psychology, English, etc.,) will transfer to Excelsior College as long as they were taken outside of the technical LPN/LVN program. These must be open-enrollment courses. Your nursing courses earned at another institution will not transfer to Excelsior College. Excelsior requires all of their students to take their seven nursing courses. Some LPN/LVNs may be exempt from Nursing Concepts 2 if certain criteria are met. If you are not getting your nursing degree from Excelsior College and have nursing credit, contact your school to see what they will accept.
How do I evaluate my credits/transcripts?
There are 10 easy steps to maximize your time and minimize your expense with our proven study systems to earn college credit. To help you determine which iStudySmart.com course(s) you can utilize to earn college credit by credit-by-exam please do the following:
- Determine what degree you wish to pursue.
- Contact the college or university (school) you wish to attend.
- Obtain a transcript evaluation from the school that lists their required curriculum and which course you will need to complete your degree.
- Ask the school which courses they will allow you to test out of by passing the following standardized exams:
a. DSST Exam
b. CLEP Exam
c. ECE (Excelsior College) Exam
- Review the courses on the iStudySmart.com website to determine which courses we offer that meet your needs while ensuring you do not exceed the maximum credit-by-exam credits allowed.
- Double check with the school to ensure the courses you selected meet the requirements of the college or university.
- Log in to www.iStudySmart.com and register with a username and password.
- Purchase the study system(s) which you need.
- Utilize the study systems as directed to pass the standardized exam.
- Once you have passed the standardized exam, the testing center will transfer your credit to the school of your choice.
What are ECE exams?
ECE stands for Excelsior College Exams. These exams are written by Excelsior College and administered at Pearson Vue Professional Centers. Registration fees for these exams vary depending on the exam. For a complete listing of testing fees click here...
Do I have to go through Excelsior College?
No. There are other traditional and online universities that can help you earn your nursing degree such as University of Phoenix and Kaplan University. However, Excelsior is the only fully external nursing degree program. (LPN to RN, RN to BSN and MSN) There are other external RN to BSN programs.
When do I enroll with Excelsior College?
We suggest that you complete a few courses at first to make sure home study works for you. A student MUST be enrolled with Excelsior College before going beyond the second nursing course.
Are clinicals involved in the nursing degree programs?
The ASN has one weekend clinical called the CPNE. The CPNE is a performance exam and is completed at one of the Excelsior College clinical facilities. There are 3 online clinical component requirements for the BSN degree as well. For more information on clinicals for either degree program, contact Excelsior College at 888-647-2388.
I am an LPN/LVN. Can I earn the BSN or do I have to earn the ASN first?
Excelsior requires you to have your ASN before they will accept you into their BSN program.
Does my state board accept Excelsior College Nursing Degrees?
Most state boards accept Excelsior College Nursing Degrees. However, there are a few exceptions.
- Alabama and Oklahoma State Boards evaluate Excelsior College graduates on an individual basis.
- Kansas and Vermont State Boards accept Excelsior College graduates through reciprocity after they have worked outside the state.
- California, Illinois, and Maryland State Boards do not recognize Excelsior College degrees due to clinicals.
- North Dakota State Board requires a candidate to have a BSN to challenge the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Florida, Louisiana, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Washington State Boards accept only LPNs.
Contact your state board for current regulations.
I've taken nursing courses toward an ASN or BSN. Will these transfer?
iStudySmart.com does not evaluate nursing credit. Once you have enrolled with Excelsior College you may submit your nursing credits for evaluation.
College-Related
Does my college accept credit by examination?
The exams iStudySmart.com prepare you for are CLEP, DSST, ECE, and some TECEP exams. Ask your advisor or someone in the admissions department if their school accepts credit by examination. You may need to speak with your advisor about which exams are accepted and what classes the credit earned will take the place of.
Can I use credit I've earned using iStudySmart.com courses for college credit at my local college?
Probably. Most colleges accept Credit By Examinations as college credit when you enroll at the university. Each college has different requirements on the number of credits accepted and the specific Credit By Examinations they will allow. The best way of finding out if your college accepts Credit By Examinations is to contact the Admissions department or refer to their college catalog.
How does iStudySmart.com differ from colleges?
Colleges offer courses in a classroom setting or require you to be online at a specific time, in most cases. Our courses simply prepare you for Credit By Examinations that are equivalent to college credit. You study in your space at your pace and when you're ready, take the exam. Over 3800 universities deem Credit By Examinations as an acceptable means of earning college credit.
How do I determine what courses I need for a degree?
There are 10 easy steps to maximize your time and minimize your expense with our proven study systems to earn college credit. To help you determine which iStudySmart.com course(s) you can utilize to earn college credit by credit-by-exam please do the following:
- Determine what degree you wish to pursue.
- Contact the college or university (school) you wish to attend.
- Obtain a transcript evaluation from the school that lists their required curriculum and which course you will need to complete your degree.
- Ask the school which courses they will allow you to test out of by passing the following standardized exams:
a. DSST Exam
b. CLEP Exam
c. ECE (Excelsior College) Exam
- Review the courses on the iStudySmart.com website to determine which courses we offer that meet your needs while ensuring you do not exceed the maximum credit-by-exam credits allowed.
- Double check with the school to ensure the courses you selected meet the requirements of the college or university.
- Log in to www.iStudySmart.com and register with a username and password.
- Purchase the study system(s) which you need.
- Utilize the study systems as directed to pass the standardized exam.
- Once you have passed the standardized exam, the testing center will transfer your credit to the school of your choice.
Are there time limits on transfer credits?
Any general education course that has a grade of "C" or higher will transfer regardless of how long ago it was taken. If you are an Excelsior College student and have taken nursing exams, the scores will be good for 10 years if you are enrolled in Excelsior and 5 years if you aren't enrolled.
How do you convert quarter hour credits to semester hour credits?
| 1 quarter = 2/3 semester | | 2 quarter = 1 1/3 semester | | 3 quarter = 2 semester | | 4 quarter = 2 2/3 semester | | 5 quarter = 3 1/3 semester | | 6 quarter = 4 semester | | 8 quarter = 5 1/3 semester |
Security and Technical Difficulties
See solutions to technical difficulties with iStudySmart.com...
How secure is your website?
iStudySmart.com takes every precaution in keeping your information safe. We accomplish this in 3 major ways.
- Verisign: iStudySmart.com has registered with Verisign, the internationally recognized verification system for identifying Internet transactions. Verisign's 128 bit encryption and SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) connection secures your customer information so you can conduct your online transactions with a minimum of apprehension.
- Fire Wall: A firewall provides more security. The firewall enforces a control policy. In essence, nothing comes in or goes out of iStudySmart.com's Website without first being 'carded' by the security. No card...No access. This further protects you and your information from the unfortunate element that is out there.
- Personal Privacy: Our policy is simple: iStudySmart.com will not share any of your information with anybody, anywhere, at any time. All personal information is password protected and encrypted.
We constantly monitor our system looking for unusual Internet behaviors. Our technical staff works to stay educated on the latest methods of security. Although there are no 100% guarantees, we treat your information like we would like our own information to be treated. It's important for us and for you to feel secure. We make every effort to earn and keep your trust. If you have any further questions, email us at: support@istudysmart.com.
Will iStudySmart.com spam me?
Absolutely not! We will only send information that is requested or you signed up for (i.e. iStudySmart.com Newsletter). You might receive emails from our staff with updates or changes in courses or services you are using. We have a newsletter that you can opt in or out of in your profile.
What correspondence will I receive from iStudySmart.com?
Note that we will never ask via email for your user name and password, credit card number or any fruit cake recipes. Here is what you WILL receive in email form from iStudySmart.com:
- Receipts
- Newsletters (you can opt in or out)
- Emails from your consultant with information you've requested. These emails may contain attachments ending in 'PDF'.
- Renewal notices for SmartClub users
- Changes or updates in our site or courses
What are the system requirements for online access Traditional and Premier self-paced online courses?
You need high-speed internet access and a browser, like Internet Explorer or Netscape.
What are cookies and are they safe?
Cookies are very small text files that a web server places on an individual user's computer so that the website can "remember" who you are or what you like. For instance, your Internet provider may have placed a cookie on your computer so your ISP knows which city's weather needs to be displayed on your home page. Cookies are used by most websites. They cannot "steal" information from your computer, they only store information you have given by either filling out a form or by clicking on links and making choices. At iStudySmart.com we use cookies to help remember, for example, which question you answered last in your assignments. If you have disabled cookies on your computer, you will not be able to use our Internet courses. You will also have trouble when visiting other websites.
What about my privacy?
iStudySmart.com will not share your personal or financial information with anybody, anywhere, at any time. All personal information is password protected and credit card information is encrypted. We understand that the U.S. Government passed a law called the "Personal Privacy" law that allows any business you deal with to share most of your private information with any entity that it desires. This includes your Social Security Number, Birth date, Driver's License number, Credit information and more. iStudySmart.com's policy is that we will NOT share your personal information. You do not have to request this of us, it is something we will continue to do regardless of the "Personal Privacy" law.
Site-Related
How to navigate the website after registering...
How to navigate the website after purchasing...
How to use the calendar...
How to utilize 'My Profile'...
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