What if I told you there’s a way to get college credit for FREE – no textbooks, no exam fees, nothing? Today I’m going to show you exactly how with Modern States, which can be an absolute game changer for you and your homeschool family!
What is Modern States?
Modern States is a nonprofit organization with one simple mission: make college accessible and affordable for everyone. They offer completely free online courses that prepare students for 32 CLEP exams.
But here’s where it gets even better. If you complete one of their courses, Modern States will actually pay your CLEP exam fee through vouchers. So we’re not just talking about free study materials – we’re talking about the entire thing being free!
Now I bet you’re beginning to see how this can be a huge game changer for your family.
We all know that college courses can be expensive. And we know that taking CLEP exams can add up. Study guides and workbooks cost money too. But now with Modern States providing FREE courses and will even pay for exams, there is absolutely no excuse to get college credit by taking CLEP exams!
How Modern States Courses Actually Work
Let me break down what these courses look like. Each course is designed to prepare you for a specific CLEP exam, and they’re completely self-paced. Your student can work through them in a few weeks or stretch it out over a couple months – totally up to you.
The courses include video lessons taught by actual college professors, practice quizzes to check understanding as you go, and a final assessment at the end. Once your student completes the course and passes that final assessment, boom – they’re eligible for the free exam voucher.
Most courses take somewhere between 15 to 30 hours to complete, depending on the subject and how much your student already knows. And since it’s all online, your student can do it in their pajamas at 2 PM if that’s when they learn best. Homeschool flexibility for the win!
Step-by-Step: Getting Started with Modern States
Step 1: Go to ModernStates.org and create a free account. You’ll just need an email address – that’s it.
Step 2: Browse through their course catalog and pick which CLEP exam your student wants to prep for. My advice? Start with a subject they’re already comfortable with or genuinely interested in.
Step 3: Enroll in the course and start working through the modules. Have your student take notes, do the practice quizzes, and really engage with the material. This isn’t just busy work – it’s legitimate college-level content.
Step 4: Complete the course and pass the final assessment. Modern States will then give you a voucher code that covers your CLEP exam fee.
Step 5: Use that voucher when you register for your exam through the College Board website. Schedule your test at a nearby testing center, and you’re good to go!
Tips for Success with Modern States
Let me give you a few tips to help your student get the most out of Modern States.
First, treat it like a real class. Set a regular study schedule – maybe an hour a day, four days a week. Consistency beats cramming every single time.
Second, take notes while watching the video lessons. I know it’s tempting to just passively watch, but active note-taking helps that information actually stick.
Third, don’t skip the practice quizzes. These are gold for showing you where the gaps are. If your student bombs a quiz, that’s not failure – that’s feedback telling them what to review.
And finally, supplement if needed. Modern States is fantastic, but if your student needs extra practice in certain areas, grab a CLEP study guide from the library or use the official College Board practice tests. Modern States is your foundation, but there’s no rule against adding extra support.
The Bottom Line
Modern States is hands-down one of the best free resources out there for CLEP prep. Free courses, free exam vouchers, and legitimate college credit at the end – it’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss.