Demystified Series

[soupbone]

I was curious if anyone had any experience with these books. A search only yielded brief descriptions. I'm considering using the Biology and Chemistry for the Natural Sciences CLEP. I only have two days of study left so I want to make it count. For anyone keeping track I've had 3 days of 8+ hour days of study using REA, Speedyprep, the Official CLEP guide (pdf), Chem4kids, and Biology4kids.

Gotta make these days count! cheersmate

BTW When are you guys (IC) anticipating getting a Natural Sciences flashcard section? I've used (and currently using) IC for every subject so far because of the quality. It would be nice to have a comprehensive Natural Sciences section.cheersmate

*EDIT* I edited the title to not mislead anyone due to the change of discussion.

[MISin08]

Although every Demystified book I have looked at has been worthwhile, with two days left I would not recommend bringing in new sources. In particular I would not sweat the Chem this late (the breadth of Chemistry as a subject vs. the coverage on the exam means your odds of learning anything new that you will see on the exam in just 2 days are slim, time better spent taking practice tests, reviewing Bio and getting plenty of sleep the day before the exam) The REA (if it's the Callihan book) plus your other resources should be good. If you can get Biology Demystified fast and cheap (library?) just to take the "final exam" that might be valuable, but I wouldn't go through the whole book.

Have you taken a Peterson practice test? They are useful for what to review last-minute (I'm aware REA has practice tests in it).

Phillip

[soupbone]

Although every Demystified book I have looked at has been worthwhile, with two days left I would not recommend bringing in new sources. In particular I would not sweat the Chem this late (the breadth of Chemistry as a subject vs. the coverage on the exam means your odds of learning anything new that you will see on the exam in just 2 days are slim, time better spent taking practice tests, reviewing Bio and getting plenty of sleep the day before the exam) The REA (if it's the Callihan book) plus your other resources should be good. If you can get Biology Demystified fast and cheap (library?) just to take the "final exam" that might be valuable, but I wouldn't go through the whole book.

Have you taken a Peterson practice test? They are useful for what to review last-minute (I'm aware REA has practice tests in it).

Phillip

Yeah the Peterson's tests floored me to be honest. They seem very difficult and way too deep. I've done fine on the REA tests so far and those seem to be more what I expect from this test. Since it covers multiple subjects I'm expecting terminology and understanding of the basics-intermediate but nothing too deep. That's what the REA (General Exam) book seems to offer so if an indication of the actual test I think I'm doing fine. I've also purchased the Official CLEP guide and that test appears to be very similar to the REA tests.

I was wanting to add Demystified because it gives a good overview of the popular topics. I got my hands on the Biology one right now and I'm reviewing parts that I think I needed to touch up on. That's why I was considering getting the Chemistry one as well. I'll be honest Biology took up more time than I anticipated but since it's fifty percent of the exam I guess that was to be expected.

[Lindagerr]

Is there something you are having a problem with or don't understand? If I can help with something I would be happy to try. I am trying to be a teacher now, but I worked in a lab for 30+ years and I have taken lots of chemistry courses.

[soupbone]

Is there something you are having a problem with or don't understand? If I can help with something I would be happy to try. I am trying to be a teacher now, but I worked in a lab for 30+ years and I have taken lots of chemistry courses.

Thanks for the offer Linda. I'm pretty sure at this point that it's not possible. I know the basics of Chemistry (definitions and concepts) but I'm not familiar with the equations which have shown up on each test. I just don't think I have enough time to learn them enough to be helpful on this test. I'm completely frustrated right now. I posted my scores tonight on the other thread and I just don't think I have enough steam to make it to the finish line.

[Lindagerr]

Get some rest and try again tomorrow.

Is it the balancing of equations or the scientific names you have a problem with? I looked at one of the Natural Science Petersons and it looks like a fair amount of Physics too.

You have put a good amount of time into this already and you don't have time to switch now. Why not give it a try you might still make it. Or if you spent so much time on Bio can you take that test instead?

What ever you decide we are pulling for you.

[soupbone]

Get some rest and try again tomorrow.

Is it the balancing of equations or the scientific names you have a problem with? I looked at one of the Natural Science Petersons and it looks like a fair amount of Physics too.

You have put a good amount of time into this already and you don't have time to switch now. Why not give it a try you might still make it. Or if you spent so much time on Bio can you take that test instead?

What ever you decide we are pulling for you.

Thanks. I cannot take Bio because I already took it in 2006 and TESC has it in my Natural Science section. If I took Bio I could only realistically receive 3 credits. I think you are right about Physics equations as well. Both are almost impossible to grasp in a day. I am taking the test either way and if I bomb then so be it. Out of all the CLEPs I've considered this is the one I've always feared but I really thought I could get it all in because of my previous experience with Biology. You live and learn as they say so if I bomb it I have no one to blame but myself. It's going to be a costly lesson with vacation time taken plus the cost of the course but again it was my decision. I think you are right I'm going to head off to bed and attack it again tomorrow and hope for a miracle. Thanks! :o

*EDIT* Forgot to answer your question..
It's the equations but not balancing reactions. Matter of fact I didn't see any of those on the practice tests. Physics had about 5 in the practice exam and Chem had around 3-4 if I recall correctly. To be honest I can't be specific as to what they were, I just remember passing them over because I had no clue.

[soupbone]

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[NAP]

...I know the basics of Chemistry (definitions and concepts) but I'm not familiar with the equations which have shown up on each test.....

Hi!

Do you mean composition, decomposition, etc.? REA Chemistry has a nice list of these. I did a quick google search and found this site. Scroll down to part 2:

Types of Equations

[soupbone]

Hi!

Do you mean composition, decomposition, etc.? REA Chemistry has a nice list of these. I did a quick google search and found this site. Scroll down to part 2:

Types of Equations

Thanks I will take a look at this as well. I really don't remember seeing any composition equations on the practice exams but I'll review this just in case. I did see an Atomic Orbital equation that I could not make any sense out of. I understand orbitals but the equations that go along are greek to me. :ack: