Am I really ready for Micro + Macro?

[namharb616]

I've been studying Macro and Micro for about 4 days now, both through college textbooks and InstantCert. I took a sample Peterson's test in each subject and got 61% in Macro and 60% in Micro. I have hardly started studying either subject, and it seems like Peterson's just tests a few core concepts repeatedly and the ability to read graphs. Is the real test like this?

If subsequent scores on the other 2 Peterson's tests for each subject are over 60%, is there any point in continuing to study? I'm wondering, though, if my base knowledge is low and the real test tests things differently from the Peterson's, I might have a catastrophic reduction in performance. For example, if the real test tests more knowledge and terms and less application/performance of a few topics, I might not do as well. But I'm not sure if it works that way or not.

Should I just go for it? I also need to finish Financial Accounting (real course, letter grade) before the semester starts again, so I'm kind of in a time crunch.

[jackbanta]

On Peterson's, I scored a 72, 66, 86 for Micro and a 54, 75, 71 for Macro. So you're already ahead of my grade for Macro and I ended up with a 74 on that test. I'd take the remaining practice tests to be safe though... Macro and Micro were really hard for me, I studied for those tests as much as any of the exams I took. You sound like you're probably pretty close, but it doesn't hurt to take the time and knock out the other two Petersons.

[Storyteller]

Well said JackBanta!!! Practice makes near-perfection, at least with Cleps.

[ryoder]

I wouldn't expect to know enough in four days of studying to pass a final exam in two college courses. Its just not enough time. Get the REA books and read them. Then take the tests and see how well you do.
Also check out sparknotes.com. They have some good economics tutorials.
I spent 1 week on each and then took the tests. My 1 week included reading the entire REA book, taking all the tests, studying what I got wrong, and going through speedyprep.com and the sparknotes material.
I scored 70 or 72 on these I think. They were my first two tests so it was over a year ago. Its very interesting material so take the time to really get it. It will come back if you pursue an MBA.

[jackbanta]

I agree with ryoder as well. Micro and macro, if you're pursuing something in business, is absolutely fundamental. I'm glad I took the time I did to study for them.

[dcan]

+1 for ryoder's advice.

Is the real test like this?

To answer this question, go to Amazon and find the Official CLEP Study Guide for 2012. It's about $15 and has 60-question samples of every CLEP test available and they are virtually identical to the real thing in coverage and difficulty.

[ryoder]

Good point dcan. I always assume people already have that book but they often don't. Before taking on studying for a new subject, I always attempt 20 questions from that book and see how well I did. If I get half of them right, I know I am good to go and just need to read the REA book, do some practice tests and then take the test. Anything less than half and I have my work cut out for me. Save the last 40 questions for after you have studied and see how well you do the second time around.

[dcan]

That's a good idea. I wait to take it last, but wish there were two tests for each for that reason. I like your approach.

[ryoder]

Definitely study hard for these. This stuff is so important in business and politics.
But if you do fail them you can take the courses at Straighterline.