Success Stories

Spanish Hoopster Ori Montero Pache Uses Modern States for U.S. Education

Point guard Oriol Montero Pache likes to hand out assists, both on and off the court.

A 19-year-old on the men’s basketball team at Bethel University in Mishawaka, Indiana, Pache grew up in Spain and turned his love of the game into a better educational opportunity in America.

With a hope of inspiring others, Pache reached out to Modern States to tell his story, which includes passing eight of the College Board’s College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests after using our completely free online collection of college-instructor-led classes tied to the CLEPS. Passing CLEP test scores can be used as credit at more than 2,900 colleges and universities, including Bethel.

“I’ve spent a lot of time with Modern States, so I know it very well and thought if I could help other people to achieve their goals – and in this case pass exams – I would love that,” Pache said in an email and follow-up interview. “I aim to convey the message that, despite the numerous challenges we encounter in life, diligent effort towards our objectives can lead to success.”

Pache, who is studying toward a double major in Economics & Finance and Business Management, found his own success with CLEP after being introduced to it by the international advisor at Bethel. She recognized that as a native Spanish speaker, he already possessed the knowledge to test out of college Spanish.

Next, he discovered Modern States, and after using our study materials not only passed the Spanish CLEP on his first try, but also Sociology, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, English Literature, Principles of Management, Principles of Marketing, and Financial Accounting – all general education courses he’ll need to earn his degree.

Modern States covers the $90 CLEP tests fees and reimburses the testing-center sitting fees. So, for no financial investment, Pache earned 30 college credits, saving a year in college while augmenting his partial scholarship. Tuition at Bethel is $16,370 per semester, or $830 per credit hour.

“My family is making a big effort for me to attend college in the U.S., and I saw the opportunity to help them by finishing college one year early while adding an additional major, so that’s what I did,” Pache said. “If I can find a way for my parents to not have to pay for another year, why shouldn’t I do that? It saves my time and their money, so it’s a win-win situation.”

Having spent more time at ModernStates.org than on any other website over the last year, Pache has built a reputation as a CLEP diehard among friends and teammates, and it’s a label he’s comfortable with. He also said the coursework helped him to more than just pass a test. Rather, it allowed him to dig deep into the subject matter to really understand it.

“I would say Modern States is really a self-learning online college,” he said. “It’s something more people should know about.”

And with an assist from Pache, more people will.