How do you study

[sweetcrabhoney]

For a subject you don't know very well?

I'm looking for advice if possible.

Thank you.

[clep3705]

There isn't a universal answer to this question. Not only are students different, so are subjects. To study for an English composition course, you might need to write essays. To study for a foreign language, you'd need to hear it. Some people learn content better from reading books while others prefer watching videos. Still others need to read and watch videos.

What's the subject? How much time do you have? Is it something that interests you? Provide some background to establish a context.

[sweetcrabhoney]

I'm studying for US and World History.
I'm okay with history I guess.
I have 2 months to study for both CLEP tests.

I'm trying to learn new techniques because many of you study and test very quickly and get high grades. I feel like I'm missing something.

Thank you.

[clep3705]

You've brought up an interesting point. Some people are probably better off studying for more than one subject at a time. That's probably because they can only focus on a specific subject for only so long. They need to switch to a different subject to be able to concentrate.

Other people need to focus exclusively on one subject and not do anything else until they are done.

[cstock]

I think there are several ways to approach studying. for me I focus on one subject at a time. I download any study guides on the specific exam feedback and do the questions on Instantcert. I try and study a subject for 2 weeks max. What ever approach you take good luck and stick with it!!

[sweetcrabhoney]

Where do you find worthy study guides? Are these the ones you buy?

I have ordered text books for a ton of CLEP tests. I have two for both history topics. But goodness... it's a ton of information to force into my head.

I have this fear that I'll be studying and studying and assume I know the subject so take the exam and then fail.

I want to be confident that I'll pass but also have enough knowledge about the subject before even taking the exam.

There are SO many ways to study... how do ya'll do it so well and are able to take a number of tests in a weekend or in a month?

Thanks.

[jortholmes]

For a subject you don't know very well?

I'm looking for advice if possible.

Thank you.

I would suggest studying one month for each test. Don't study the two subjects at the same time because you won't be able to focus very well. One month for each subject is more than long enough time to be able to get a passing grade. Are you taking US History 1 or 2? I took 1 and studied for it for two weeks and received a 72 out of 80. US History 2 is supposed to be harder, so if you have a choice, then I'd recommend taking 1. Is World History a CLEP or DSST? For the US History, I'd recommend for you to use the REA studyguide and practice tests; they're the best for any CLEP. Also look up quizlet for both. And use the studyguides that Justin has on FreeClepPrep. He also has some free practice tests.

If you have anymore specific questions, then shoot.

Jade

[sweetcrabhoney]

Thank you Jade!

I'm aiming to take History 1 . Both test are for CLEP.

I'm going to study for a month for each then. And totally look up those resources you pointed out.

Thank you so much again.

[cookderosa]

When I studied for my 4 history CLEPs (US 1, US 2, Civil War, Social Science and History) I first got a big workbook from Walmart that they use for kids in grade school. It was 6th grade US History (don't judge) and read it from cover to cover. That gave me a general sense of timeline / key events without much politics. I also bought REA US History 1 and REA US History 2 study books. I got a big binder notebook and broke down the sections using the REA guide's chapters. As I read something from my 6th grade book, I wrote it in the section. Once I got through everything in my 6th grade book up into the Civil War/Reconstruction, then I read the REA book the same way. Wrote notes, etc. If it left out something- like who was the president at the time, or if there was a major invention or literature that was important, I put it in there. I kept doing that through the whole REA book, then I watched the Annenberg Learner - Teacher Professional Development videos Biography of America up through the Civil War/Reconstruction. Same thing- taking notes.

I know that's a lot of study, but it gave me an excellent foundation for the subject- I did well on that exam. I did the same for US History 2. Fast forward, when it came time to do Social Science and History, I didn't even have to study US History at that point because I'd just done it.

That's how I did it- I learned a lot, remember most of it, and can tolerate history in small bites. My degree is in Social Studies, and I probably have the least amount of history I could have taken at that time and still earned the degree lol.

[sweetcrabhoney]

When I studied for my 4 history CLEPs (US 1, US 2, Civil War, Social Science and History) I first got a big workbook from Walmart that they use for kids in grade school. It was 6th grade US History (don't judge) and read it from cover to cover. That gave me a general sense of timeline / key events without much politics. I also bought REA US History 1 and REA US History 2 study books. I got a big binder notebook and broke down the sections using the REA guide's chapters. As I read something from my 6th grade book, I wrote it in the section. Once I got through everything in my 6th grade book up into the Civil War/Reconstruction, then I read the REA book the same way. Wrote notes, etc. If it left out something- like who was the president at the time, or if there was a major invention or literature that was important, I put it in there. I kept doing that through the whole REA book, then I watched the Annenberg Learner - Teacher Professional Development videos Biography of America up through the Civil War/Reconstruction. Same thing- taking notes.

I know that's a lot of study, but it gave me an excellent foundation for the subject- I did well on that exam. I did the same for US History 2. Fast forward, when it came time to do Social Science and History, I didn't even have to study US History at that point because I'd just done it.

That's how I did it- I learned a lot, remember most of it, and can tolerate history in small bites. My degree is in Social Studies, and I probably have the least amount of history I could have taken at that time and still earned the degree lol.

AMAZING... That's just truely amazing and helpful. Thank you.