What is the DSST? It is the Dantes Subject Standardized Test that was originally brought to the educational field by the US Depart of Defense. It allows for college credits to be obtained outside of the traditional framework so that a 4 year degree can be achieved in a much shorter amount of time. It is a nationally recognized program and has more than 30 exams that cover an extensive amount of college subject areas.
Statistics About the DSST
1. Students who participate in DSST exams are more likely to graduate and more likely to graduate faster.
2. 73% of all test takers, including prospective graduate students and teachers agree that most students do cheat at some point.
3. Only 35% of college officials believe that cheating on DSST exams is a problem.
4. 1 out of 5 college students admitted to cheating in the 1940’s. Today that percentage is up to 98%.
5. The amount of students that have their DSST results adversely affected because of anxiety that occurs before and during the test: 40%.
6. 26% of people who take the DSST become scared during every test that they take.
7. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy only helps 1 in 3 people who seek treatment for their anxiety over taking tests.
8. Mints and lemon drops have shown to enhance brain awareness when taking any of the DSST exams.
9. 75% of undergraduate students today are considered non-traditional students.
10. The amount of undergrads who are 25 or older and could benefit from taking DSST exams for credit: 1 in 3.
11. 33% of students today work a minimum of 35 hours per week in order to support the high cost of a college education.
12. Students who attend school full time without taking DSST exams for college credit only get a 12% return on their investment.
13. 97%. That’s the percentage of non-traditional students in the student body at Excelsior College in Albany, NY.
14. The number of non-traditional students is expected to expand by more than 5 times the number of traditional students enrolled in college classes by the year 2036.
15. The average DSST exam takes just 90 minutes to complete.
16. The typical college course will cost 9 times more than the amount of a single DSST exam.
17. There are over 1,200 testing centers in the United States alone that administer DSST exams every day.
The DSST exam was designed so that schools could aware credit to students that have knowledge equivalencies. Instead of making a student sit through a class that they could teach themselves because of life or work experiences, the DSST provides evidence of an understanding of subject concepts and principles through underlying higher-order statistics. Using predictive analysis through the linear model, there are 100 questions to be answered within a 2 hour time frame.
With colleges charging more for an advanced education more than ever before, but having a degree being part of the equation to find success in the US Middle Class, the DSST provides the compromise that many students need to have. Tests for the DSST can cost as little as $80, in addition to a test administration fee that may be charged, and the tests can be administered year-round so that college credits can be obtained.
Over 2,000 colleges and universities currently recognize the results of the DSST and award college credits based on passing scores upon enrollment into the institution. It is one of the best tools that can be used for the non-traditional student, including home-schooled students, to get themselves the education that they want or need.
Why Is Knowing DSST Exams So Important
By 2018, it is expected that more than 60% of the jobs that are available will require at least some form of a college education.
More schools are accepting DSST results every day. Many schools are starting to administer DSST exams on their own for students who believe that they can earn college credits because of their current knowledge. It’s the perfect program from veterans or active duty military personnel who may not be enrolled in a formal 4 year program because it can let them take their knowledge and put it toward a future career.
What is concerning about the DSST exams, however, is that many people could be cheating on them in order to get ahead. Testing centers take every step to prevent cheating, including security cameras in testing rooms that monitor the test taker, but that doesn’t prevent people from finding countermeasures. A simple, small electronic that can buzz answers can pass through into the exam room and be undetectable, allowing students to get credit without actually having the knowledge.
Any system is going to be imperfect. There will always be people who try to cheat in order to get ahead. The non-traditional student, however, has a tremendous advantage with the DSST because it allows them to put their skills to a proper use. Home-schooled students especially can struggle sometimes to get into college because of a lack of records or because the school work that was completed didn’t meet the college’s standards. The DSST levels the playing field so that the non-traditional student can easily compete with the traditional student and have access to the job market after graduation.
Taking the DSST might not be for everyone, but it is one of the best ways right now to get 3 college credits, the same amount given in a class, for a very affordable price. Some of the tests even allow for credits to be awarded in upper level courses for a bachelor’s degree, which means anyone at any level of their college career can experience the benefits of these exams. The costs of college might be rising, but there are still options available. The best of the best is the DSST exams that can be taken in a preferred major.