Hello All! Im already nervous!!

[FJMerlin]

Hey everyone, Im new here but been reading the forums for a couple of weeks trying to gather as much info as possible. I have to say, this forum has helped me immensely but Im still stuck with a difficult decision and Im looking for some honest opinions.

Long story short, Im almost done with my BA from UOP. I have 1 class left (2 including the one Im currently in). However, I have 2 Liberal Arts credits and 3 Humanities credits left to fulfill.

My counselor informed me that I could approach this 2 ways.

1. Submit my CCNA certificate in attempts to cover the 2 LA credits then take a Humanities DSST test like Ethics in America.

2. Take a 6 credit CLEP and cover all the credits and dont worry about getting the CCNA approved. She recommended 3 tests.
Analyzing and Interpreting Lit
Humanities
English Lit

So I went on the hunt for info on these tests. From my readings of this forum and other info, it seems as though the Ethics in America and Humanities tests are the most difficult. Whereas some people find A&I Lit to be easy and others have a different opinion.

Im already signed up to IC and I noticed they have flash cards for both Humanities and EIA but nothing for A&I Lit which scares me. Ive never been much of a reader, I can read and interpret regular english but not old english I see on the practice tests... Im blabbering now!!
Anyway, Im thinking of going with the Humanities test. Thoughts?

Once again, thanks to all for the existing info on these forums, very helpful to say the least.

[Ruddigore]

Do you do much reading? Do you have a background in music? Both of those things help immensely with Humanities. It is an extremely broad test, but in my opinion very fun. You get to learn a bit of everything artsy that mankind has done over the past couple years.

Take a glance at my post in the Specific Feedback section for more information about how I studied, etc.

Do you have any of the REA books for the tests? I used REA's book for Analyzing and Interpreting Literature by itself to pass. If you can read with understandind and some speed, A&I Lit should be a snap.

[FJMerlin]

Do you do much reading? Do you have a background in music? Both of those things help immensely with Humanities. It is an extremely broad test, but in my opinion very fun. You get to learn a bit of everything artsy that mankind has done over the past couple years.

Take a glance at my post in the Specific Feedback section for more information about how I studied, etc.

Do you have any of the REA books for the tests? I used REA's book for Analyzing and Interpreting Literature by itself to pass. If you can read with understandind and some speed, A&I Lit should be a snap.

I dont have any REA books. When I first thought I was taking the Ethics in America test I bought a Peterson study guide, I later saw that guide on the forums here for free! DOH!!

I do have an account with IC, so I have been going through the flashcards and taking screen shots of all of them for reference later.

I dont tend to read many books, Im more of a short and sweet kinda guy. But I have a very technical background which involves a lot of reading and interpreting technical literature. Not quite the same, but good practice. I started one of the A&I Lit practice tests and was stunned at the difficulty, thats what led me to Humanities. At least with Humanities, the answers are set, and not dependent on interpretation. Which can sometimes be disagreed upon!

Thanks for the link, by the way, Ill check it out.

[Ruddigore]

You might like Humanities if interpreting literature isn't your thing. Still, doing both would be 12 relatively easy credits.

Have you considered taking the Technical Writing DSST? Sounds like it's right up your alley.

[FJMerlin]

You might like Humanities if interpreting literature isn't your thing. Still, doing both would be 12 relatively easy credits.

Have you considered taking the Technical Writing DSST? Sounds like it's right up your alley.

I didnt think I had a choice. My counselor recently sprung this on me... Im 3 Humanities credits short and 2 Liberal arts, she said they will accept 1 of the 3 tests to satisfy those credits. I didnt know why it had to be limited to those 3 though, I just accepted it for some reason.

[JanusthePhoenix]

Even if you struggle interpreting literature and poetry, you still have a good chance at AI Lit if you're skilled in test-fu. Remember, you only have to get like half the answers right. Read another way, that means you can completely bomb nearly half the test and still pass and get your 6 credits, regardless of how slim a margin you passed by. People who aren't used to CLEP and DSST have a hard time fully understanding this at first.

That in mind, understand that this is a reading comprehension test not unlike those cheesy STAR standardized tests they give high schoolers. Don't be intimidated. I say just go for A&I and do your best; worst that can happen is you fail and have to take humanities instead, but more likely you'll surprise yourself and finish your degree for 70 bucks or so and a couple hours of work. I wish A&I was all I had left.

Good luck.

[cinderly]

I'm wondering if her test recommendations were based on which exams are both 6-credit and classified as Humanities credits at UOP rather than a declaration that you may only take those tests to fulfill the shiny, new requirements.

Reactions to A&I Lit seem to be pretty variable. That said, I think it's possible to prepare for if you aren't practiced in thinking like an English teacher. Wikipedia can be a great resource for brushing up on how symbolism works. If trying to analyze short works in a timed test setting gives you hives, though, then you are wise to look at other options.

Do you know if UOP considers social sciences to fall under Liberal Arts or if it is its own category? Your options for the LA credits expand if you can choose from the social sciences exams.

For Humanities, what about DSST Intro to World Religions, then pick up CLEP Intro to Sociology for the LA credits (if social sciences fall under the LA umbrella at UOP.) A bit more expensive than doing a single 6-credit exam, but those might be less overwhelming.

Whatever you decide, best of luck on the exams!

[cookderosa]

I can't imagine your CCNA counting as liberal arts credit- so I'd suggest knocking out 1 exam which will give you ALL the credit you need. I know you seem hesitant to try analyzing and interpreting literature, but it really is a reading comprehension exam. If you feel like reading is difficult for you, this exam may be hard- but my husband is a "just give me the bullet version" kind of reader and he passed with a 50! You ARE in college, so clearly you CAN read college level work and understand it. My suggetion is to take that exam today. It requires stamina more than skill Reading for a long time can get frustrating, just stay on track.

Technical writing is only 3 credits, you'd need another exam...and 1 exam is always less to worry about than 2. I'd only look at humanities if I failed A&I lit. Humanities DOES require study.

[FJMerlin]

Well, I decided to tackle the Humanities CLEP. Im usually better at tests in which require no interpretation and just spitting out the facts, so Humanities it is.
My prep so far has been IC and wiki. I went through all the flash cards, then wrote out flashcards for each question and even each description. Ive gone over the flashcards a bunch already. I even recorded myself reading the flashcards so I can listen to it while I work out, or in my car, or wherever.

My test is next week Wednesday so I think Im going to hammer these flashcards a little more and then take some practice tests.

Thanks for all the advice everyone. Im on the prowl for the links to the practice tests today.

If I pass this sucker, I have one more class to take and then IM DONE!

[operalady]

Have fun with Humanities. We really enjoyed studying for that one, and it preps you a bit for A&I if you end up switching.

If you have time watch Mel Gibson's Hamlet and check out the Annotated Mona Lisa from the library. :-)

Please keep us posted.