CLEP Biology - Is this enough?

[jortholmes]

I am trying to finish my natural sciences requirement by taking the Biology CLEP.

My resources:
1) Cliffs AP Biology book -- This is probably too detailed for what the CLEP will ask about.
So far I have notes for the first 2 sections (33% Molecular and Cellular Biology & 33% Organismal Biology)
I am trying to learn and relearn this material each day, just memorizing is becoming difficult. (specifics anyway)

I find that if I take the notes once, then go over them over and over each day, I learn more and more instead of just cramming it all and moving on.

2) I am watching and rewatching the 8 or so Standard Deviants videos. Good overview explanations.

3) 7 days before CLEP I will be focused entirely on taking practice exams only and flushing out areas I need to relearn and adjust.


My questions:
When is enough, enough? And if I study 2-3 hours per day and 1-2 videos per day, do you think it would be wise to take the CLEP at the end of August at that rate? This is essentially the only thing I am working on outside of full-time work. It has been difficult for me to gauge if I am learning too much detail or not.

I'm looking for some guidance on when I am 'ready'.

Thanks!

I think that you'll be ready by the end of August, for sure. But if you want to speed things up some, then you should consider getting the REA study guide. The REA guides are like the ultimate resource for any CLEP. Also, be sure and take the free practice test on FreeClepPrep; it's a great indicator of whether or not you're ready. Take the practice test of FCP at least three times to get through their whole question bank. Another thing: if you get a new enough REA book, then you'll get a code to enter in on their site that will get you three free practice tests (one's a diagnostic test), which would otherwise cost you like 15 bucks. So there's my two cents. But if you're fine with your time schedule then you should do fine. And believe me, nothing you study will be too in depth. They showed me pics of molecules (you know, like the circles with letters in them attached together with lines) and expected me to be able to answer their question about what type of molecule it was. There were at least two of those on my test, so study any crazy looking diagrams. You'll probably be glad that you did.

[Celebrant]

I think that you'll be ready by the end of August, for sure. But if you want to speed things up some, then you should consider getting the REA study guide. The REA guides are like the ultimate resource for any CLEP. Also, be sure and take the free practice test on FreeClepPrep; it's a great indicator of whether or not you're ready. Take the practice test of FCP at least three times to get through their whole question bank. Another thing: if you get a new enough REA book, then you'll get a code to enter in on their site that will get you three free practice tests (one's a diagnostic test), which would otherwise cost you like 15 bucks. So there's my two cents. But if you're fine with your time schedule then you should do fine. And believe me, nothing you study will be too in depth. They showed me pics of molecules (you know, like the circles with letters in them attached together with lines) and expected me to be able to answer their question about what type of molecule it was. There were at least two of those on my test, so study any crazy looking diagrams. You'll probably be glad that you did.

Thanks! That is good advice. Based on how well I think I am doing I believe I'll be ready for the exam on the 27th. Anyway I am getting consistent 80% on free-clep-prep, still have some of those questions to apply learning with. and I took my first Peterson exam tonight while I was really tired, and got a 57%. I am not feeling confident enough in plants, ecosystems or anatomy so that is where I am heading next hardcore this weekend.

I've seen others post much lower Peterson scores and did fine on the CLEP. Am I over doing it? I might consider the REA book, but I did end up getting another CLEP book that I am going thru this next week. I think the book kinda sucks though, it's a Stirling CLEP question + explanation book. (1550 CLEP Biology Practice Questions).

I think I'm pretty good with the molecules, identifying and the makeup of lipids/carbs/proteins.

[cookderosa]

Thanks! That is good advice. Based on how well I think I am doing I believe I'll be ready for the exam on the 27th. Anyway I am getting consistent 80% on free-clep-prep, still have some of those questions to apply learning with. and I took my first Peterson exam tonight while I was really tired, and got a 57%. I am not feeling confident enough in plants, ecosystems or anatomy so that is where I am heading next hardcore this weekend.

I've seen others post much lower Peterson scores and did fine on the CLEP. Am I over doing it? I might consider the REA book, but I did end up getting another CLEP book that I am going thru this next week. I think the book kinda sucks though, it's a Stirling CLEP question + explanation book. (1550 CLEP Biology Practice Questions).

I think I'm pretty good with the molecules, identifying and the makeup of lipids/carbs/proteins.

My advice is to use practice tests the first time as a measure, and after that only as a study aid. You can't re-take an exam more than once if you're using it to check your readiness (you mention Free CLEP Prep) but if you have 2 more Peterson's you've got some lined up that you can use. If you have till the 27th, you have loads of time, you'll do great!

[slefoll7]

I am using instantCert and study.com. For practice tests I use rea. I strongly suggest study.com as it is cheap and has a clep biology course.

[Celebrant]

When are you taking this biology clep? I am on date for the 26th. Been watching CrashCourse biology videos, and just glancing over my study guides every day.
I'm going to take studying more seriously next week. I'll take a look at study.com.

[Celebrant]

Passed with a 60! Thanks for the inspiration everyone!

[Lindagerr]

That is great Congratulations!! cheersmate

[cookderosa]

Passed with a 60! Thanks for the inspiration everyone!

Way to go!! That's great, congratulations! And, an excellent score too!