Failed Biology Clep Exam Last Week

[papersakbrown]

I needed a 50 to pass to get the credits for my science course I need to gaduate. I scored a 41. I studied the flash cards, REA study guide, Standard Deviantes video (twice) and my son's high school biology book for over a month. I feel like a real loser right now. I MUST take the DSST Physical Science of AP Biology exam to graduate this summer. I need any guidance you guys can provide. I feel really bad as I felt confident going to take this test.

[khammond25]

You didn't give a lot of detail about how you felt you did during the test, how you have tested on other exams, or why you think you failed. Frankly, If you really knew the material in all those resources it would be nearly impossible to fail. With that said, maybe the "testing" format is not your best option. Perhaps you should consider paying the $119 to take Biology online from Clovis Community College this semester. You have until tomorrow to register (late) for this semester (runs Jan-May). From what I understand the course is not too demanding, and at least it would guarantee completion...

[Lindagerr]

Did you take any practice exams before doing the real thing? I find the practice exams are a good indicator for the real things. Does it have to be Biology? Maybe you could pass Natural Science without to much more study.

I have never taken an AP exam so I can't help you there.

[NAP]

There is something about Biology. You are not the only one who has studied this hard for this long and still failed or not done well.

Don't give up. I am glad you have other options.

Linda has good suggestions.

Sorry I can't help you on the other exams. I just wanted to say you have nothing to feel bad about. Try again - either a course or an exam. You'll get finished. Then we'll get to celebrate with you!

[papersakbrown]

Thanks for the encouragement guys....I'm too close to graduating to give up now! I love InstantCert!!

[Sunshine]

So sorry to hear about your exam. These exams are meant to be tough, otherwise they wouldn't be worth awarding credit! The biology CLEP covers two semesters worth of college-level biology, and that is a lot of information. Many of us have failed exams before, myself included. Chin up!

It sounds like you need science credits- have you thought about taking the CLEP Natural Science exam? It would offer six credits, and roughly half of the exam content is biology. Since you've been studying bio, you'll have a jump on studying for the exam. Also, there are several practice exams for it that will help you gauge your readiness. (Good idea, Linda!)

If you must take the Physical Science DSST, I recommend reading a couple of the books listed on the fact sheet. In addition to the text, some books have companion websites with chapter quizzes and flashcards, so you may be able to find those online as well.

Good luck!

[PonyGirl93]

Sorry about that

I just managed to squeak by on that one (purely by the power of being a good guesser, I assure you!) I had a truly excellent high school biology class & I practically memorized the REA book. I got a 62 on both REA practice tests, but when I went into the test I knew what only a half a dozen or so answers were. The rest I made educated guesses or just always guessed the same letter if I had NO clue.

The problem with my test was that I studied all the right stuff, but nothing I studied actually went in depth enough. A question would ask about a system (that I had studied about), but it would ask about a detailed, intricate part of it. Which the REA guide didn't get even remotely detailed enough about.

Can you take the Natural Sciences CLEP? I've heard it's easier, although I haven't taken it myself...