What do you guys think of iStudySmart.com?

[lrgaul]

[SIZE="2"][COLOR="Navy"]I am preparing to take the Natural Sciences CLEP because my college will accept this CLEP for 3 credits in Natural Science AND 3 credits in Biology. The Biology CLEP would only be worth 3 credits in Biology at my school. My dilemma is that science is a very weak subject for me and I think I am going to need extra help in order to pass. If I pass this exam this summer, I will be done with my general education requirements.

So...I was surfing the web for resources and I found iStudySmart.com. In spite of the fact that they are a little pricey, it seems like they may be right along the lines of what I am looking for. Specifically, I like the fact that they are offering sort of an "online classroom" style program, rather than just a textbook. Has anyone had any experience with this company? It appears that they are endorsed by DSST, which is pretty compelling. The truth is that I just do not want to spend more than I have to unless the resource is pretty terrific. Thus far, I will admit that InstantCert has spoiled me![/COLOR][/SIZE]

[ShotoJuku]

Crap!!!!!!!!!!!!

[knucyt]

When I started this journey and before I discovered InstantCert, for my first exam I purchased the Principles of Mgmt for approx $200 from IStudy Smart.
I do not know what kind of guarantee they give now, but then, unless you went thru every !@*&$& single exercise and test and passed (online - and they tracked it) they would not guarantee a refund if you did not pass the actual exam - and believe me the material and exercises went on and on and on and were merely a repetition of what was in the book they tell you to buy - there was absolutely no value add to the electronic material. It was repetitive and redundant. For me it was definitely not an effective or efficient way to study the material. I set it aside after two weeks of wasting my time, found InstantCert, and got it done much much quicker!

I have not yet taken any of the science exams and probably will do Astronomy instead, but if I do take the Nat'l Sciences or Biology exam I plan to use InstantCert along with a text book, and possibly REA. There are also a lot of online resources including sites like CLEP General Exam in Natural Sciences - Free University Project

If you really want a real online classroom experience to learn this material then I urge you to look for another solution - IStudySmart is not that!

I am sure others will chime in if they have had a good experience with IStudySmart, but in my case it was a waste of money and time for the materials I purchased! I know it is tempting to think that somehow they will make the learning process more organized and therefore easier/quicker, but frankly there are cheaper, smarter, and less time consuming ways to go IMO.

Just my two cents worth!

[Inwe]

I looked into IStudySmart before I found IC,. but was turned of by the expense.

Example: Principles of Management

$200 IStudySmart
$65 Test Fee
$15 Proctor Fee
$280

I can take a the same class at LSU Independent and Distance Learning for $241!!

[lrgaul]

[SIZE="2"]Thanks for the feedback guys. I think I am going to avoid iStudySmart then. Off to Amazon I go to find a Natural Sciences textbook! [/SIZE]

[ShotoJuku]

This will work [SIZE="4"]BIG TIME[/SIZE]: Special Offer: David and Laurie's Downloadable NATURAL SCIENCE CLEP™ NOTES!