1st two CLEP's

[nbas2b]

I posted on here about a month ago to get some information. After some thought, I have decided to go this route and hopefully earn about 30 credits by September. That may be a little too much, but never hurts to set your goals high!

Anyways, I got started by deciding the first two tests I will be taking- Psychology and Sociology. I bought the REA books for both subjects, which seemed like most on here would of recommended. I also signed up for Instantcert. Now my question is, where do I go from here? Do I have the materials needed to pass? Do I read the REA books than go on instantcert? I'm kind of at a loss at where to start or how to study, since this is my first CLEP.

Any advice is GREATLY APPRECIATED!!

Thanks!

[Rhashad]

Congrats on your decision to try testing. If you study and stay focused 30 credits by september is very possible.

psych exams aren't too tough, though i personally suggest analyzing and interpreting lit as a first exam. pretty easy exam and confidence booster, most people can do it without study.

[MISin08]

Welcome. You will probably be fine with REA and InstantCert (including the feedback forum, especially if you do find yourself wanting suggestions on extra study resources); also possibly Peterson practice tests, after you get close to ready and want to fine-tune.

As for where to start, you'll need to feel your way into what's best for you. You've paid for both REA and IC, so here's a suggestion to start: I don't know how REA is organized, but I would bet it's along the same lines the exam is organized. So is IC. Start with one or the other CLEP, I suggest Sociology, unless you've studied Psych before.

• Do a section of REA. Review it, like later that day.
  
• Do the corresponding section of IC. Take note of where they are the same or one expands on the other (this kind of thing helps your brain remember). Take notes generally. I like note cards; old-school but effective for me. Phrase the topic as a question ("who wrote about bureaucracy?") with the answer on the back. Folks on the forum print IC so they can review it, but it will engage your brain more if you write questions in your own words.
  
• Repeat IC until it starts to feel like you are getting it. Visit your notes from REA.
  
• There are probably review questions in REA. Do them.
  
• Move on to the next section of REA & do like the above.
  
• While you are doing that, take a break and go back over the previous section. Are you remembering stuff without too much trouble? If so you're on the right track. If not consider repeating more often and/or looking in the specific feedback forum for suggestions of how others study. Some people have a strong preference for audio or video materials, or hands-on. Over time you'll get the hang of what works for you and probably adjust the method, adding more study or taking away according to your needs and the level of knowledge you start with.
  
• Build a routine, set aside time and place conducive to studying. 2-3 hours a day, a bit more on the weekend. If you want 30 credits by September, you will pick up the pace after you get into it and study for more than one exam at a time. Last year I did 30 between Memorial and Labor Day and it was pretty much my life. Vitamins and espresso were key.
  
• When you get to a point where you've been through the material take one of the tests in the REA & see how you're doing. Use your wrong answers to tell you where to focus more study. Some REAs want you to take the first test before you start, but I do not unless I actually know the subject pretty well.
  

If the Psych REA is like other REAs they probably have instructions to do the book in 6 weeks or so, and that will work. If you jam and are dedicated, you cut that in half. One month is more realistic. Some folks on the forum go in with a lot less time spent; you may turn out to be like them, it's up to you how much you want to risk $100 to find out.

The official CLEP study guide is a good investment if you are taking multiple CLEPs. Rhashad is right about Analyzing Lit if that's your cup of tea. I'm a strong reader and found the REA good for review just because I'm not wild about poetry. Natural Science is another good way to pick up 6 credits, and there's a good REA for it. I hope this is helpful.

Phillip

[nbas2b]

rhashad- Do you know what A&I Lit. covers as far as course wise in Community College.. Perhaps English 1a?

[MISin08]

rhashad- Do you know what A&I Lit. covers as far as course wise in Community College.. Perhaps English 1a?

You didn't ask me, but how specific CLEPs will apply to credits is up to your school. The A&I Lit CLEP "covers material usually taught in a general two-semester undergraduate course in literature" according to the CollegeBoard.com description of the exam. Such a course could go by various names, and probably a first-year course or "100-level". Doesn't have a writing component, so will not fill most colleges written English requirement...

Phillip

[nbas2b]

My fault. I didn't read your post all the way through before posting. Thanks a lot Phillip. I will definitely check my school's website for that test. Do you think having a goal of taking the test within 2 weeks is a little too much?

[MISin08]

My fault. I didn't read your post all the way through before posting. Thanks a lot Phillip. I will definitely check my school's website for that test. Do you think having a goal of taking the test within 2 weeks is a little too much?

The time to prepare depends on your present level of readiness. As Rhashad says, many take it cold. If you're an avid reader and/or high school English wasn't too long ago, you may be ready now. If not quite ready, two weeks might be all you need. The Official CLEP study guide has a practice test in it; if you can get 50% correct + your comfort margin, take it.

Yeah, my post was a bit long. I do that from time to time.

Phillip

[NAP]

Wow Phillip! Thank you for sharing your study tips with us. It is no wonder you have such awesome test scores!

P.S. Congratulations on reclaiming Baronet status!

[NAP]

ShotoJuku and MISin08 have recently posted study tips here:

http://www.degreeforum.net/general-educa...#post77965

Finding what works best for you and the particular subject/material is important.

[Elinor]

I posted on here about a month ago to get some information. After some thought, I have decided to go this route and hopefully earn about 30 credits by September. That may be a little too much, but never hurts to set your goals high!

Anyways, I got started by deciding the first two tests I will be taking- Psychology and Sociology. I bought the REA books for both subjects, which seemed like most on here would of recommended. I also signed up for Instantcert. Now my question is, where do I go from here? Do I have the materials needed to pass? Do I read the REA books than go on instantcert? I'm kind of at a loss at where to start or how to study, since this is my first CLEP.

Any advice is GREATLY APPRECIATED!!

Thanks!

First of all, WELCOME! Though I've only been here for 4 months now myself, the InstantCert community is a group of people I am constantly thankful for; they will eagerly assist you in your goal!

That said, 30 credits by September is very doable, I think, especially if you plan for the tests you know you're good at already. I've been CLEP-ing for 4 months, and I will hopefully have 30 credits tomorrow. Even if I fail Am. Lit. tomorrow, I still have 24 credits right now, not bad at all for someone who's been off the books for several years! My goal is to have the 60 general education credits done by the end of the year. We'll see how the rest of the year goes!

Oh, and about where you go from here... the specific exam feedback section on the forum!!! I cannot say enough about this! It's AWESOME!

Good luck with your testing!