First Clep Test: American History 1

[Jobo1234]

Hey everyone,

I am going to be taking my first CLEP Test very soon on American History 1. I would like to know what the test mostly focuses on and how difficult it is?

[EI2HCB]

It focuses on the time from early civilization in North American up to about 1877. The main focus is from Colonial times onward. You find great resources in the exam specific forum which is open to all Instantcert Subscribers. The flashcards under Instantcert subscription are very useful for this exam with some additional information needed which can be found in the exam specific section. start your searches with keywords "biography of America" "America in the making" History 7b from Berkeley are all good additional resources. The instantcert link is below.

[pegasus]

Your prep for this exam should depend on how well you already know the history of this era. I just finished this exam about an hour ago and I scored in the very high 70s. Since I already knew colonial and revolutionary history fairly well, I waaay over-prepared for this exam - I found it to be quite easy. But let me be clear that it would have been a guessing gamed had I not already read the biographies of many of the key figures from this era. Also, I'm glad I spent time getting to know the major players in the women's right and abolitionist movements. Also, without study I would've biffed a lot of the questions having to do with religious movements.

If you have the time and the money, the Education Portal Videos and the Instantcert review paper should be sufficient. I found all of the practice exams to be way off in that they were far more difficult than the actual exam. And the flashcards weren't working for me this weekend, so I can't comment as to their value.

[GoodYellowDogs]

Congrats on signing up to take your first one... that's where it all starts!

[Jobo1234]

I just finished my first exam and made a 44. I feel that the flashcards did not help me as much as I would have liked. Many key figures mentioned in the exam were not listed on Instant Cert or my 2014 College Clep Study Book that I purchased from the College Board. There were only about 4 questions about religious movements and about 6 concerning the women's movement. I had googled key figures in the movement and the women I learned about were not even on the test. Instant Cert did help me with the questions about the various Acts throughout history. Oddly enough, I did not have one question on the explorers or the Revolutionary War. I had a bunch of questions about the Civil War and Political movements (federalists, whigs, democratic parties, etc...). I took the practice test from the 2014 College Clep Study Book and made a 77. Not many of those questions showed up on the test. I am disappointed, but I plan on studying more and retaking exam in March. Now that I know what to expect, maybe I can do better next time. I know I will need to do more research outside of Instant Cert in order to receive a passing grade. Thank you all for your advice.

[cooperalex2004]

I just finished my first exam and made a 44. I feel that the flashcards did not help me as much as I would have liked. Many key figures mentioned in the exam were not listed on Instant Cert or my 2014 College Clep Study Book that I purchased from the College Board. There were only about 4 questions about religious movements and about 6 concerning the women's movement. I had googled key figures in the movement and the women I learned about were not even on the test. Instant Cert did help me with the questions about the various Acts throughout history. Oddly enough, I did not have one question on the explorers or the Revolutionary War. I had a bunch of questions about the Civil War and Political movements (federalists, whigs, democratic parties, etc...). I took the practice test from the 2014 College Clep Study Book and made a 77. Not many of those questions showed up on the test. I am disappointed, but I plan on studying more and retaking exam in March. Now that I know what to expect, maybe I can do better next time. I know I will need to do more research outside of Instant Cert in order to receive a passing grade. Thank you all for your advice.

Don't forget you can take other exams before then too. If you've got room in your degree plan then try to find one which fits your passions and you'll regain confidence when you pass. Good luck to you.

[EI2HCB]

Don't get too discouraged. I used all the resources I gave you at the start of you beginning post to get me through. There are three different exams so you may not get the same one the next time you take it. Did you use the REA book? question and answer format in that book I also found helpful. So what is the next exam?