1st CLEP

[Cindy]

I am scheduled for July 12th for my 1st Sociology clep and I am studying IC flashcards daily till commited to memory, started reading the REA clep book and am getting very nervous. THis is my first test since 1991. Just need a boost, going to work that day, test isn't till 12:00, at a local college on a computer, very nervous, what if I hit the wrong key, what if I dont understand the questions,,,,,,,,,, ahhhhhhh just getting nervous. Thanks all for being here. Cindy

[barcotta]

That's a great test to start with. Don't be nervous. Just get in there, do your thing, and then, if you need the credits, start studying for Psychology, Ed. Psychology and/or Human, Growth and Development. You'll see a lot you recognize. Also, take the CLEP practice test--and a Peterson test or two if you have the time.

[Southron Boy]

Cindy,

Remember that anxiety is not absolutely a bad thing. It can energize us to study more and give us the boost we need for the final round--if we channel it right. Your in the final round, the time to harden those butterflies into determination. I know you have that determination, because you have shown the will to return to school and in a non-traditional way. Take a practice test, see where your gaps are (if any), and set an hour-by-hour schedule in order to maximize your study time. If you know IC, you'll do fine.


By the way, you can take a tutorial before the test on the testing software and the Official Guide has a practice software disc as well. Just remember to get plenty of sleep the night before and arrive at the test center early. I still get nervous, especially at the test center. My last test I dropped study cards all over the lobby floor, and then rammed my foot into a chair that I never saw. Being nervous is part of it. But I wouldn't trade that nervousness as it is an incentive to try to have my ducks in a row. Alot of test taking is a mental game of overcoming your fear of the test.

The main thing: Know the material, have confidence that you know the material, take a breath, and then demonstrate that you know the material. Now, go forth and do great things! In the words of Julius Caesar, you'll go, you'll see, you'll conquer!!!

[Cindy]

THank you all so much for the inspiration, I have tried taking the peterson practice test and the questions are nothing like what I was studying on IC. I hope the actual CLEP test isn't like Peterson test cause the questions there really confused me. Not doing well on the Peterson tests.

[Southron Boy]

Cindy,

My 17 year old brother said the same thing that the Peterson's wasn't what he studied in IC. However, he passed the CLEP with a 70 after about 5 days of study. On the Peterson's, he scored a 61, 62, and 70 (percent).

Use the Peterson's exams as a gauge, as well as a study tool. Yet, also know that if you aren't aceing Peterson's, they are reputed to be much harder than the actual exam--I personally have found this especially true with English Composition and US History I. So don't be discouraged. I would take the Sociology in the CLEP Official Study Guide as a more accurate gauge.

Very best to you! Let us know how you do!

[studyhard]

Hi Cindy,

I was VERY nervous before my first CLEP, especially not knowing how the computer screen would look. But it's very easy. And there is a tutorial in the beginning that starts as basic as how to use a mouse. I went through the tutorial on my first test just to help my nerves, so feel free to do the same.

The computer screen is very easy to work with. There are several buttons at the bottom...one says "Next" and it's how you go to the next question. (duh ) Another one says "Mark" and that's how you can mark a question that you want to come back to later. I do this on stuff I'm not sure about. Then there is a "Previous" button, so you can go back to an earlier question. I'm trying to remember what else.....there's another one that will let you review all the questions, I think.

Just DON'T hit the "Section Exit" button until you are absolutely positively done with your test. It will end the test. So yes, when you're all done (and have reviewed the questions, which it will give you the option to do if you still have the time available), then you can hit that button. It's really the only one you have to worry about....and even if you bump it by accident it'll bring up a box that says, "Are you sure you want to end this?"

Also, at the end, always choose that you want to report your scores. Not reporting your score will mean you can't take the test again for six months. Just go carefully and read what the screen says on that section and you'll be fine.

And remember, if you have any questions at all about the "technical" part of the test, the proctor should be available to help you. So don't sweat it. It's really pretty basic.

As for the test itself....if it's any consolation, my sister just took this test and, after doing IC 2-3 times and reviewing some material in the COMEX Social Sciences and History guide, she passed with a 70. With all the studying you're putting in, you should do fine. So hang in there and don't worry!

[Southron Boy]

Great comments, study hard! That will help other beginning testers as well!

[Cindy]

Thank you all esp. for the heads up on how the computer works for the test. Wow. You all are such a big help. I will kee in touch and let everyone know how I do on the 1st clep test!!

[auminer49r]

Cindy,
I'm just warning you now; when you get done with your CLEP test, you are going to submit your exam and it will give you your score. When you see your score, you are going to be so excited because you just saved yourself a boat-load of money and time... you may get ADDICTED to CLEP, DSST exams, and Instantcert!

... You've been warned!!

Good luck and keep us posted.