CLEP or DSST?

[kckckc81]

Hi All,

I'm new to the board and stumbled onto this site looking for some good testing info (and I'm glad I found it, tons of info here!)

So, here's my dilemma...

To finish my degree, I need 3 Humanities credits. :eek: My university is saying that I can either take the CLEP Humanities or the DSST Ethics in America to fulfill those credits. I started studying for the CLEP Humanities first, only to learn that there is soooo much information that you have know in order to to pass. So then I started looking at the DSST Ethics in America material thinking that is was going to be easier, but I can't seem to keep the philosophers and their theories straight! I took one of the three Peterson practice tests for the DSST Ethics and got a 57 and I'm worried, not to mention I'm not doing so great answering the IC flashcards.

I'm just getting a bit discouraged. Regardless, I need to just focus on one or the other so that I can graduate already. Do any of you have advice or experience with either/both of the tests? Any information that you have that may be able to steer me in the right direction would be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
KC

[ShotoJuku]

[SIZE="2"][COLOR="Navy"]I cannot speak to the Ethics in America exam, however the Humanities exam really isn't that bad, in fact once you complete a review of some basic material you should be able to pass. I recommend not only the world-famous IC-Flashcards but also the REA and Comex book; I really got a lot out of the Comex book.

I'm sure that other experienced test takers in either topic will weigh in on this but know that you can knock out either one of them once you decide and begin your study.

Good Luck!!


http://www.instantcertonline.com/forums/...-clep.html

http://www.amazon.com/Review-CLEP-General-Humanities-Examination/dp/1560301384/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1200075779&sr=8-2
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[Mateo1]

I can't tell you about Ethics in America either; on the other hand, the Humanities Clep is very doable. In fact, that was my first test after about 20 years of being out of school. My recommendation is to get the Princeton Review and go over the Humanities test. Then, go through the IC round; lastly, to do a final check, go over the CLEP Prep Book with the sample questions. That was more than enough for me after a long 'academic inactivity', so that would be my advise. Good luck!

[cudawn]

I took the Ethics in America recently. It really wasnt that bad. I must say I had taken philosphy and a medical ethics class recently. Did you do a specific search in the archives. The suggestions are very good. Good luck!

[Chebasaz]

I do not recommend this route, but I took the Humanities with no study. It was my first CLEP test and I wanted to see how hard they were. The proctor recommended Humanities, so I took it. If memory serves, I scored a 55. I tell you this only to show you that it's nothing to be scared of.

Use the resources that they've mentioned here and then take the test. Common sense does play a certain role with Humanties.

Famous Opera singer? Hmm, the Italians really like opera and there's only one Italian looking name here.
Famous ballerina? Well, the Russians like ballet... ect.

I wish I was kidding, but I'm not. I do remember those exact thoughts running through my head on Humanities. The test is very wide, but not very deep.

The worst that can happen is that you'll end up taking the Ethics test after all. I would definately recommend giving the Humanities test a shot first though. After some judicious studying of course. Don't be like me and take it blind

[kckckc81]

Thanks everyone for your opinions, encouragement, and advice. I am 9 credits from graduation (3 Humanities, 6 electives). After reading some stuff about both exams that I'm considering and doing the IC flashcards, I think I'm going to go with the Humanities CLEP first.

I've taken a stab about both IC flashcards for DSST Ethics and CLEP Humanities with minimal preparation, and it seems that I'm doing better with Humanities. Something else that helped me make my decision was that the CLEP Humanities is worth 6 credits, and if I pass it, since I only need 3 Humanities credits, my advisor says I can apply the other 3 towards my electives credits! Plus, I found out yesterday that my university is requiring the essay if I do the DSST Ethics test...yuck!

I've been doing searches on the IC forums about the Humanities exam, but if anyone else has any helpful tips, tricks, advice, I'm all ears!

PS.
What do you guys think about the College Board practice questions in the study guide and/or the Peterson's practice tests? Anyone have any experience with either/both of these?

Thanks!

[chromo]

I agree that Humanities is a very doable test. Sure, there is a lot of info, but you don't need to know any of it very well to pass. Definitely do the Collegeboard practice questions, but not now! Save them until you're all done studying and they'll give you confidence when you need it most (uh, hopefully).

[knucyt]

Thanks all for the advice-I've decided to do this one next and was looking for how doable this one is and some encouragement.. as my powers of recall based on just a few study sessions is not as high as it used to be! Your recommendations on material to read /prep with sounds good...heading out to the store now!

Thanks!

[originalbigjim]

STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING! Do not take humanities, yes it is doable but IMHO it is the hardest non-math clep out there and ethics is one of the easiest test out of all of them. i strongly recommend that you take the ethics test, dont worry too much about philosophers, the make up about 7 questions. half of the test is yes or no questions and if you know anything about being a human you should do fine. It was the 2nd test i took and i took it cold and got a 65. I knew almost nothing Plato and the gang but I did know what order they were alive and I think that was it every other question was a situation and then they ask is this ethical? very very very easy. and if you are really worried PM with your email address and i will send you a great study that is about 20 pages and it is everything youll need.

[larry7crys]

Personally, I would try to take something else asides from the Huamnities CLEP. See if your college would take the World Religions or Middle East DSST exam instead.