Astronomy....help???

[Aubs]

I'm working towards taking the DSST Astronomy test. The study guide is teeny weeny, no practice tests, and it's really freaking me out. I'm used to taking several different practice tests before I take the real one and now that I have none...it's scary. If someone could calm me down with details of the actual test, that would be wonderful.:confused:

Does anyone have some suggestions for outside sources that would make me feel a little more confident when I walk in to take the test?

I have books from the library. I also have my own account on flashcardexchange.com so I can make my own flashcards.

If anyone has any suggestions or hints, I would love to hear them!

[creative]

I wish I could help you with info about the test but I have not taken Astronomy. But I totally can relate to being nervous about not having any practice tests to go by--- I am taking Fundamentals of Counseling dsst and they don't have a practice test for that one either!! And I really, really need the practice tests to help me feel more confident. So I know how you feel. I surely hope someone can answer your question. I asked the same question for my test yesterday and got a few replies. Have you checked ' Specific Exam feedback' . That always has some good info what to focus on. I hope someone answers your question--wish I could have been more help!

[MomOfMany]

The Teaching Company has a DVd course called understanding the universe, an introduction to astronomy.

It's crazy expensive, but very good. Our local library has it or it wouldn't be an option for us either.

Just a thought. I plan on using it when we get to that point.

I also have an REA guide the essentials of astronomy that some awesome person gave me.

But yeah, a practice test would be awesome.

[lumpylump]

Does anyone have some suggestions for outside sources that would make me feel a little more confident when I walk in to take the test?

For me, the best resource was the Astronomy flashcard deck at instantcert.com which includes access to the "Specific Exam Feedback" forum here. My opinion is the subscription is worth the cost if you'll be sitting for a number of DSST/CLEP exams.

Aside from that, I used the following resources.
- Sparkcharts Astronomy notes (It was a nice portable resource to carry around with me for quick reviews
- CliffsNotes Astronomy - CliffsNotes
- Some decent lecture notes (don't worry about the math) Herter_00 A101/A103 Lectures

I also used a free iPhone app called "Planets" although that's a small subset of the exam material. Finally, I used Wikipedia liberally to look up topics from the DSST fact sheet.

Hope that helps a little.

[Ruddigore]

Does anyone have some suggestions for outside sources that would make me feel a little more confident when I walk in to take the test?

Below is a study guide that I put together for the exam. It was helpful to me.

Good Luck,
R.

[MomOfMany]

woohoo - saving that for later use - thanks!

[Aubs]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!
The extra study notes will definitely come in handy. I'm feeling a little better about it now. I didn't realize how much math type stuff was involved but I'm hoping there won't be many questions in that department. :ack:

Thank you all for your help. Going in blind makes me nervous, but after talking with other people who have studied for things like this, it's not quite so nerve-racking.