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Hello,
I have been using Instant Cert to prepare for some Clep tests. I just took my first one, US History 1 and passed, but frankly, I felt a considerable amount of material on the test was not covered in any of the Instant Cert materials. I will be working on on College Algebra, Macroeconomics, and American Government in addition to Statitistics on the DSS. My question is this, is paying for the Instant Cert program worth it? It seems there are other free study resources available, not sure yet how those would prepare me for the test. Curious of input from those who have taken many more tests than I have.
Thank you!
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I think it's worth it simply for access to the specific feedback section.
Don't miss out on something great just because it might also be difficult.
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06-02-2014, 02:22 PM
(This post was last modified: 06-02-2014, 03:05 PM by bricabrac.)
There are two reasons to subscribe to IC. The first is the flashcards, which are designed to give a good overview of the subject. The second, and probably best use of the subscription, is having access to the specific exam feedback. I hope you are taking advantage of the exam feedback? If not, immediately click on this link and find the thread for the exam you are studying. I you PM me your email, I'll forward over some of the study materials I still have for the subjects you've mentioned.
My test prep method: If you have prior knowledge of a subject, you could most likely browse the cards, specific exam feedback and basically take the test cold (I took two tests cold-no study; three with min study). If you do not have prior knowledge, always supplement IC with other learning materials. Used textbooks, or CLEP/DSST study guides, and/or the most recent subject textbook companion websites (usually have powerpoints, practice quizzes, chapter summaries, games). You can also google the subject for lecture notes. (For example: american government college course lecture notes.)
Additional recommended free resources: Math Study Guides - SparkNotes or Cliff's Notes are free for many general subjects, https://www.khanacademy.org/library, annenberg videos at www.learner.org, Free Clep Prep.com, Search › college algebra | Quizlet
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The pass rate here among IC members is about 90%......so absolutely yes. What's the pass rate of the free sources you're considering? Without you naming brands, I'm certain it's no where near 90%.
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The Instantcert flashcards and other non-free study materials are specifically written for the exams. Free resources may or may not align well with the tests. For example, I read a whole book about chemistry and was lost when I took the chemistry exam. I really wish there was a flashcard set for chemistry because IC was my only study source for the Biology CLEP, and I did well on that. I never had much of a use for the Specific Exam Feedback Forum.
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cookderosa Wrote:The pass rate here among IC members is about 90%......so absolutely yes. What's the pass rate of the free sources you're considering? you naming brands, I'm certain it's no where near 90%.
3 exams so far snd Ive used instantcert every time. I Have used other resources. The value or worth is the consistent amount of people who save thousands on gen education by a $20 subscrption. So far I have 9 credits for 60 dollars in subscriptions plus a few other resources. Saving me 4000 dollars in taking classes. You can be sure for my next exam I will be signed up for sure.
Don't forget that gaining college credit by taking exams is one of the reason's we're here. That's mainly possible through the flashcards made available by the owner of this forum : InstantCert Plus of course your hard work in learning and reviewing
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Hello,
Just my two cents but I think its well worth it. For 20.00 bucks a month I am not sure there is a better deal. The specific exam feedback is priceless!! Good luck what ever you decided to do.
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cstock Wrote:Hello,
Just my two cents but I think its well worth it. For 20.00 bucks a month I am not sure there is a better deal. The specific exam feedback is priceless!! Good luck what ever you decided to do. I used to post on the specific feedback forum for every exam I took. That was until I temporarily suspended my pay account and was locked out of my OWN COMMENTS! If I wanted to refresh my memory to give advice to someone else, I had to pay instantcert for it. For that fact, I stopped posting in there. Then again, my comments weren't all that insightful 
CLEPS Passed: 10 DSST Passed: 11 TECEPS: 1
PrLoko-isms
Don't waste time by trying to save time. The only sure way to complete your degree is to knock out credits quickly and efficiently.
Don't let easiness bite you in the rear. Know your endgame (where you want to be) and plan backward from there. Your education is a means to an end.
Be honest professionally, socially and academically. There are people (especially little ones) who look up to you and they're going by your example.
Be proud. Whether you're an Engineer or Fast Food worker, there is honor and dignity in hard work.
Picking on people weaker than you only proves that you are a weak person.
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bbme27 Wrote:Hello,
I have been using Instant Cert to prepare for some Clep tests. I just took my first one, US History 1 and passed, but frankly, I felt a considerable amount of material on the test was not covered in any of the Instant Cert materials. I will be working on on College Algebra, Macroeconomics, and American Government in addition to Statitistics on the DSS. My question is this, is paying for the Instant Cert program worth it? It seems there are other free study resources available, not sure yet how those would prepare me for the test. Curious of input from those who have taken many more tests than I have.
Thank you! Although Instantcert claims it's "Everthing you need to prepare for your CLEP* exams in one place", it sometimes falls short in certain subjects. Still, Instantcert's flashcards are an excellent supplement to written study guides. The exam flashcards are pulled from the suggested study texts for the exams so the information is more relevant. Also try Free-clep-prep.com and also audio courses if you still have gaps.
CLEPS Passed: 10 DSST Passed: 11 TECEPS: 1
PrLoko-isms
Don't waste time by trying to save time. The only sure way to complete your degree is to knock out credits quickly and efficiently.
Don't let easiness bite you in the rear. Know your endgame (where you want to be) and plan backward from there. Your education is a means to an end.
Be honest professionally, socially and academically. There are people (especially little ones) who look up to you and they're going by your example.
Be proud. Whether you're an Engineer or Fast Food worker, there is honor and dignity in hard work.
Picking on people weaker than you only proves that you are a weak person.
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For me, InstaCert was well worth the money. The whole site (from Specific Feedback, flashcards and the regular forum) helped me to finish my degree about the same time I finished High school. Is there another way? Sure! But for $20 a month all the info and support is unparalleled!
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