How long to study for a CLEP/DSST test

[Mitchmcc]

Hi all

Newbie here just taking the first step on a journey of a thousand miles. I know this is a "how long is a piece of string" question but I wondered what sort of experience people have had regarding the amount of study time needed to pass a CLEP, DSST or other test.

I know the answer is extremely variable based on both the individual and the subject being studied but I want to get a vague idea of a ballpark figure so that I can determine whether my plans and goals are realistic.

Going into a new subject with an average amount of pre-existing knowledge, how much time do you think you would need to study before being ready to put yourself forward for the test.

Thanks for your responses
Mitch

[Ruddigore]

Well, it does depend on the subject. I spent about a month (maybe more) on US History II, my first CLEP, before I took it; however, I only studied a week for American Government.

It does depend, but more than two or three weeks generally shouldn't be necessary except for the more difficult exams (like Biology or Rise & Fall of the Soviet Union). That's assuming that you'll be studying for a few hours every day.

And if you're still in doubt, take practice tests. They are a vital gauge of performance and study resource. Use them for all they're worth!

What test are you thinking of taking first? I recommend doing something that you have a far amount of prior knowledge in - something that you'd enjoy. If you like literature, A&I Lit might be a good starter. (There's no IC for it, but REA puts out a splendid A&I Lit book.)

[JanusthePhoenix]

Here is the algorithm passed on to us by the Venerable Lawrie Miller.

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WHILE (NOTPASS MOCK EXAM) DO

{

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sit mock test
score test

}


sit examination

For more on this, see:
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The practice exam is the litmus by which I judged my preparedness for all actual exams. For those tests that did not have a practice exam, I used the Specific Feedback section of this forum and my gut. It's worked out fine. Study hard, and good luck.

[P00057870]

Great advice.

[Mitchmcc]

Well, it does depend on the subject. I spent about a month (maybe more) on US History II, my first CLEP, before I took it; however, I only studied a week for American Government.

It does depend, but more than two or three weeks generally shouldn't be necessary except for the more difficult exams (like Biology or Rise & Fall of the Soviet Union). That's assuming that you'll be studying for a few hours every day.

And if you're still in doubt, take practice tests. They are a vital gauge of performance and study resource. Use them for all they're worth!

What test are you thinking of taking first? I recommend doing something that you have a far amount of prior knowledge in - something that you'd enjoy. If you like literature, A&I Lit might be a good starter. (There's no IC for it, but REA puts out a splendid A&I Lit book.)

'

Interesting. I was going to do American Government but read a couple of posts where people said US History was easier. And my brain is far too linear to do US History II before US History I! As a Brit now living in the US, I don't have an extraordinary knowledge of US History but it does interest me and my first run through Instacert I got 29/80 without any study.

I'm planning on spending two hours per day minimum studying and hoping to go from almost zero to degree in less than four years. It sounds like my goal is not totally unrealistic assuming, of course, that I an a reasonably quick study. (Which I think I am - scored 98% on my pilot's instrument rating written test a few months ago. My instructor was asking me for tips after that!!)

I think I'll probably take practice tests at least until I feel I can assess myself accurately but I would like to be able to avoid that expense as much as possible going forward.

Thanks very much for your response.

Cheers
Mitch

[operalady]

'

Interesting. I was going to do American Government but read a couple of posts where people said US History was easier. And my brain is far too linear to do US History II before US History I! As a Brit now living in the US, I don't have an extraordinary knowledge of US History but it does interest me and my first run through Instacert I got 29/80 without any study.

I'm planning on spending two hours per day minimum studying and hoping to go from almost zero to degree in less than four years. It sounds like my goal is not totally unrealistic assuming, of course, that I an a reasonably quick study. (Which I think I am - scored 98% on my pilot's instrument rating written test a few months ago. My instructor was asking me for tips after that!!)

I think I'll probably take practice tests at least until I feel I can assess myself accurately but I would like to be able to avoid that expense as much as possible going forward.

Thanks very much for your response.

Cheers
Mitch

Have fun with USH1. I has so much fun studying for that one. REA is spot on and helped me nab a 70.

Also, check out hippocampus.org if you like visuals.

[Ruddigore]

Interesting. I was going to do American Government but read a couple of posts where people said US History was easier. And my brain is far too linear to do US History II before US History I! As a Brit now living in the US, I don't have an extraordinary knowledge of US History but it does interest me and my first run through Insta[t]cert I got 29/80 without any study.

That is the general consensus. American Government took less time for me for a few reasons:

• I competed in a speech category that centered around government and current events
  
• InstantCert is even more amazing for this exam than normal, facilitated the quick study of the exam
  
• I had already taken US History I & II, giving me some prior knowledge that aided me in American Government

I'd take all three tests, but US History I & II might be better to start on.

[annegirl]

'

I'm planning on spending two hours per day minimum studying and hoping to go from almost zero to degree in less than four years. It sounds like my goal is not totally unrealistic assuming, of course, that I an a reasonably quick study. (Which I think I am - scored 98% on my pilot's instrument rating written test a few months ago. My instructor was asking me for tips after that!!)
Mitch

Your goal is definitely not unreasonable. I was able to come up with 80 credits in 10 months.

If you're not a life long American citizen it might be easier for you to take US History 1 first before trying to hit American Government. There are a lot of questions on AG that I was able to intuit because I had lived here my whole life. I found US History 1 easier to study for...very interesting topic to me at least.