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I'm currently working towards the DSST Astronomy test. There are no practice tests (scares me half to death!) but I do have a (teeny, tiny) 2010 study guide, flashcards and I read what I can online.
My problem is that what I read online differs somewhat from the things I read in the study guide. The study guide is helpful to an extent but there's not a whole lot of information there. I want to more information but if I can't trust it, then I can't use it.
I'm getting a wee bit frustrated... banghead
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Go to the local library and get a couple of books on astronomy, just browse them and see if it verifies anything. Not everything on the internet is right, the more sources of info that agree the more confidence you can have in the info.
Linda
Start by doing what is necessary: then do the possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible St Francis of Assisi
Now a retired substitute Teacher in NY, & SC
AA Liberal Studies TESC '08
BA in Natural Science/Mathematics TESC Sept '10
AAS Environmental safety and Security Technology TESC Dec '12
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See if you can find an introduction to astronomy textbook companion site, also check out this link
Astronomy DSST Study Guide - Free-Clep-Prep.com, it has study suggestions.
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Welcome to the forum!
The IC flashcards and Cliff Notes online have been recommended often. Also, SparkCharts and online textbooks have sample questions. (I really like having practice tests, too.)
Here is my feedback with links to the sites mentioned above:
http://www.degreeforum.net/excelsior-tho...#post61942
Also, Ruddigore got a great score on this. Here is his feedback (scroll down a bit):
http://www.degreeforum.net/excelsior-tho...#post80915
Best wishes on this exam!
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I am attempting to study for this also, admittedly having a hard time because I keep falling asleep. I have been watching the iTunes U Survey of Astronomy from Missouri State University and keeping awake. Good luck!
Lyanne
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Thank you all for your suggestions and tips. I've set up the test and I'm scheduled for this Friday. I kept putting it off but when I found out I could be done with it by the end of the week, a huge wave of relief swamped me.
I went to the DSST Fact Sheet and did the practice questions getting 7 (out of 11 or 12) correct; that may seem low by other people's standards but I was pleasantly surprised, fully believing I would get maybe four.
That does NOT mean, however, that I feel cocky, I certainly don't feel like that at all.
On the other hand, I'm not panicking...yet. :puke:
Lyanne, once the test is over, I'll share what I can to help out and keep you awake.
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Just finished the astronomy test and passed with a 53 out of 87 (48 is passing).
There were maybe half a dozen questions that I could answer right off the bat, others...not so much. I thought I was doing pretty well and would score much higher than I did but I guess there were more questions I didn't know than I originally thought.
Mostly star stuff, not a whole lot of scientist specific stuff, although it was there.
Just read whatever you can get your hands on. I read alot on Wikipedia (after I finished the study guide) and, even though I know it's not a reliable source, it still got me familiarized with different astronomy terms and gave pictures.
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