In a perfect world, all Americans will go to college in August following their high school graduation parties.  In a perfect world, all college students will pass all of their courses, know the perfect career for them after college, never miss a single day of class, graduate on time and go out into the world without a worry of whether the perfect job will be there, or their student loans can be paid back.  In a perfect world...

Side door strategies is a compilation of tips for adult learners, traditional students, veterans and contemporary students seeking to find their way.  College transfer is a general phrase that describes the transition from one college to another and takes several forms.  Related to college transfer is enrollment, persistence and completion strategies that can help all students.

Why do people have trouble finishing college?  And, how do they overcome their obstacles?  Here are some stories of people who not only transfered between colleges, but have become successful individuals learning from the experience.  Maybe we can all learn something from their pursuit of credentials.  Not all of these individuals finished college.  Some started over and lost all their credits from prior learning.

Research shows that taking AP, CLEP, DSST or EXCELSIOR tests and examinations can benefit learners of all types. Students are more likely to finish from college. Tests also help students to qualify for scholarships - a great percent of colleges and universities looks at test and exam experience when determining scholarships. Tests also help save college going expenses and time can be spent not taking courses covering knowledge you already know.

President Barack Obama in the State of the Union Address again called for the U.S. to invest in our people not just in the infrastructure and businesses that are the foundation of our economy. Six months ago, the president proposed spending $12 billion over the next decade to improve programs, courses and facilities at community colleges so that they can produce an additional 5 million graduates by 2020 called the American Graduation Initiative. The Obama administration also outlined its plan to teach Americans the skills they need to compete with workers from other nations. What are the specific measures being introduced?