Intro to Sociology and Psychology CLEP?

[markp9114]

I just signed up this week on IC and I want to take both the intro to sociology and psychology CLEP next month. I looked in the specific exam feedback forum and it seems very encouraging. However, I have never taken a CLEP test before, so i'm not sure how I would do. Also, I would love to use the REA books everyone speaks of, but I cannot find any in my area. None of my local libraries or bookstores carry them. I don't really want to buy the book online since its such a hassle with shipping and handling, waiting, etc.. Do you think it's possible to pass these two tests with just instantcert? Is taking both of them on the same day a good idea? Any piece of advice would be helpful for a first-timer hehe thanks!

[MISin08]

Welcome to the forum.

I just signed up this week on IC and I want to take both the intro to sociology and psychology CLEP next month.

This is a realistic goal. Some folks prepare for a few days, others say they take about a month to prepare for a CLEP. Even a month is far less than a quarter at school. It depends on what you know going in, and how high a score you want.

Also, I would love to use the REA books everyone speaks of, but I cannot find any in my area. None of my local libraries or bookstores carry them. I don't really want to buy the book online since its such a hassle with shipping and handling, waiting, etc..

The big online bookstore offers free shipping if you buy enough. Two REAs would probably qualify. How is waiting a hassle? Driving to bookstores is a hassle

Do you think it's possible to pass these two tests with just instantcert?

Some say yes. Some say always good to review more than one source. I'm in the second group, especially as most of my studies build on each other. If these are the only credits you need, then it may make sense to cut it short. Also depends on how you feel about putting around $100 on the line
These are both fairly general and not very deep tests, and are good candidates for just IC.

Is taking both of them on the same day a good idea?

If you have strong nerves and are well-prepared (see above about multiple sources) sure. I'm considering taking Ethics the dame day I take MIS, but I've just taken 17 semester hours of related IT courses. I like taking tests, and I'm usually fried after the first one, even if I do great.

Any piece of advice would be helpful for a first-timer hehe thanks!

Read a lot of others' experiences. Make a copy of the exam content outline and use it to guide your study. A plain-language source (encyclopedia, Idiot's Guide) will help a lot if you are new to some aspects of the subject.

[frankiebleyes]

Personally I wouldn't try to tests on the same day to begin with. Secondly, it is always a good idea to use other sources besides IC to study. Sociology is supposed to be easy, but the clep book did help. Psychology you definitely want the clep book with the IC cards. I personally donated my copies to our local library when I finished with the tests. Good luck and welcome to the board.

[codface]

I took the Psychology test last monday and the Sociology test last tuesday. All I used was IC.

I actually did not truly have the flashcards down that well for Psychology and was not very confident and walked away with my lowest score to date, a 61.

I was much better prepared for the Sociology test and had a better grasp on the flashcards. I made my best score to date with a 73.

Yes, I had to make some educated guesses on both tests but everything turned out ok and I banked another 6 credits for both!

Patrick

[akeefe3133]

I have doubled up on tests twice and it's pretty stressful. I didn't want to do that when I took Psychology because I was having a hard time learning it (I don't know why, it seems like everyone else breezes through it!). I did pass with a 61 and used IC and REA; I really like the practice tests that came with the REA book. That was most helpful to me.

Good luck!

Ann

[mylittlepussy666]

ok i love the clep test because i saved a lot of time
i don't think is a easy test. everybody here is so gifty that i cannot get it. i took my intro sociology test. i got 54 , a passed grade is 50 so I almost missed it but I passeddddddddd it hilarious

bad idea. DO NOT take both tests the same day crazy. your brain start burning after 90 minutes and you need to realax. at least take one test the easy one (intro sociology) and the phycology the next week or so.
i also just studied one week with a guide that i brought on internet and google research, i think not a good idea. other of my problem i am a spanish speaker , first laguage so we always have problems understanding questions and we take more time too. the good think is I took the spanish clep test and i got 79 of 80 lol. i love it and i got 8 credits.

i am going to buy REA book to study for my intro phycology test and i am going to study more. i don't like just to pass a test , i like to get a high score.
do not be afraid of buying things on internet because now it is always an option to download it so you pay it and got it in a few seconds.
no haSsels ( sorry for my spelling. i think is not the way you write it )

I hope this helps and you pass all tests , you are gonna love it . save time , money and some times, boring time if you do not enjoy time class. like my regular class of human growth and development. boring professor , long class eiww . if i knew i could take the clep of that class . i would take it. bye

[mylittlepussy666]

do not just go there without study that is crazy thinking i have a friend he took 2 tests the same day walk in and did not pass neather oops :p take your time to study please . those test are not that simple. thik they are going to avoid you to take a hole 4 month class so i do not think ur brain has the information just to pass it. do not spend your money like that

[P00057870]

Study and take SOCIOLOGY first, then study and take PSYCHOLOGY.

Sociology is more general but has some psych concepts and names some of the same people and theories that will be revisited in psych but psych is more difficult, and more memory.

[Rhashad]

you should really base the decision on your understanding of the subjects and perceived difficulty of each test. I've taken two tests twice, the first time I passed both (english and A&I lit.) The second time I passed Intro to computers and failed Microecon by 1 point.

It's doable, but consider these points before trying it.
difficulty of test
are they overlapping subjects
levels of rest prior to test taking

[celestelight]

Im not a very bright person...but i did take Intro to Psych before Sociology... and that did help. On the sociology tests, there were only a few questions regarding the material covered on the Intro to psych test which made it easier for me to just review for sociology than have to learn all that over again.

I would advise taking Psychology first because they build on top of each other. And just using instant cert is enough.. but make sure when you take the test.. you have lots of common sense. Of course, you need to know the theories, and key people involved, but common sense is absolutely necessary for these kind of tests.

Good luck!