Am I Ready?

[MissRN]

Haven't taken my first CLEP yet and decided to go with Sociology from the looks of other posts that this is recommended to take for first-timers. I took all three of the Peterson's practice exams .. 72% on the first, 78% on the second, and a 56% on the third. I must admit, the third practice test was harder than the first two. Wondering what percent should I be hitting on the Peterson's to guarantee a passing score on the CLEP?

[Lady Grace of Pemberley]

My Peterson's scores were 75% for the first PT and 77% for the third one (I reviewed the second exam, as well). I scored a 67 on the real thing. From what I can remember, the Peterson's exams were pretty similar to the actual test. I think a score of high 60s to low 70s (%-wise) is recommended on the Peterson's to indicate a passing grade on the real thing, so from your scores, I would say that you are ready to test. I would, however, go over your answers (especially for the third PT), and look up terms you don't know or understand on Wikipedia or this site on sociology. Good luck on your exam!

[LaceyLady]

I agree with Lady Grace. Usually practice test scores in the high 60s or 70s are sufficient for a pass, but be sure to go over your answers and study the ones you got wrong.

[annieballet02]

I am in the same boat! I bought the REA book and got a 68% on first 71% on second and 70% on the third. I am supper nervous because i need to pass this to graduate this upcoming december. Im not sure how much more i need to study to ensure me to take the test. I also bought and took the practice CLEP test form the college board site and I feel like that test was much harder than the REA tests but i received a 70% . Im also doing Incerta cards online. Should i but the peterson book as well?

[Lady Grace of Pemberley]

I am in the same boat! I bought the REA book and got a 68% on first 71% on second and 70% on the third. I am supper nervous because i need to pass this to graduate this upcoming december. Im not sure how much more i need to study to ensure me to take the test. I also bought and took the practice CLEP test form the college board site and I feel like that test was much harder than the REA tests but i received a 70% . Im also doing Incerta cards online. Should i but the peterson book as well?

I don't think you really need another study guide -- sounds like you're doing great. The flashcards will definitely help you remember terms. Don't stress out too much over this exam -- it truly is one of the easiest CLEPs out there. Those are great scores and you should do well on the exam. It is recommended that you get a 60+ scaled on the REA tests (which I think you got; see the chart in the front of the book) and a 60%+ on the Official CLEP practice test in order to pass the real thing. Having said this, looks like you are good to go! If you would like more practice tests, you can use these practice tests for the military and their families. In order to utilize these tests, you are allowed to use an extended family member (i.e. uncle, father, grandparent, etc.). Go over the information on the thread for this exam in the Specific Feedback section and make sure you have learned what different people have said is on the exam. Also, this study guide would be good to go over. Good luck, and let me know how you do!

[cookderosa]

You're all set- take that test!! More studying with scores like that is just lost time that could be on other exams.

Think of test prep in terms of "high yield" and "low yield" results. The pool of generic information is "high yield" because it's GOING to be on the test. Always the backbone of any subject is- the stages/major players/theories, etc. Low yield studying is learning the trivial pursuit stuff. There WILL be trivial pursuit questions on your test, and you won't know the answers, and that's fine. In order for you TO KNOW those random bits, you'd have to study long and deep. Think of it this way: It might take you 15 hours to learn 90% of the material, but it will likely take another 15 hours to learn the remaining 10%. The last 10% is just minutia.