Need advice on US History 2 Clep

[aggie16]

I will be taking US History 2 next week and would appreciate any advice, comments, what worked for you, etc.

I am using the REA Clep book, college board book, "America a Narrative History", spark charts, and of course InstantCert.

Thanks in advance!

[NAP]

Hi!

Looks like you're on the right track.

Here's what I used:

http://www.degreeforum.net/excelsior-tho...#post52148

Some things you could add if you want:

Historyteacher.net – I really liked the AP Quizzes.
Peterson’s practice exams
Resource: A Biography of America videos

Two recent threads for free Peterson’s online practice tests (CLEP/DSST+ebook):

http://www.degreeforum.net/general-educa...-link.html

http://www.degreeforum.net/general-educa...brary.html

The threads I posted above can be used by civilians to access Peterson’s practice tests.

Best wishes on your exam!

[annakate]

hey aggie

When I took the US Histories, I used both the REA guide and InstantCert, which were helpful.

However, don't spend as much time on answering the question what as much as answering the question why. I memorized a bunch of events, what so-and-so did, when that one social group was formed, but that was all. I didn't know why all that happened. Why did that person start that movement? (haha, I'm sorry I can't provide specific names and events - it's been a while) Why did the second World War begin? (I do remember that event, hehe)

Does that make sense? It goes a little deeper than simple facts. You probably already know that, but just giving you a heads up.

With US History II specifically, there are SO many social groups and causes, it's ridiculous. I didn't know near enough about all that. Have a general knowledge of most social groups, their names (and thus abbreviations), and purposes.

I got a 44 when I took it and I am therefore confident that you can pass it with flying colors. Most importantly: use your practice exams as much as possible. Take them and study the answers & explanations. You need at least 60% on a practice test to be sure you can pass the real thing. When I take it again, that's what I'll be focusing on.

I sincerely hope that at least one thing I've said helps you in your studying for this test! Let us know the outcome.

-ak

[rileychica]

[COLOR="Indigo"]I used IC and REA... both were perfect for me! IC was enough to pass but the REA book contained information (which accounted for only maybe 2-3 questions on the actual test) that wasn't represented on the flashcards.

I agree with Annakate -

[INDENT]However, don't spend as much time on answering the question what as much as answering the question why. I memorized a bunch of events, what so-and-so did, when that one social group was formed, but that was all. I didn't know why all that happened. Why did that person start that movement? (haha, I'm sorry I can't provide specific names and events - it's been a while) Why did the second World War begin?[/INDENT]

That was very good advice... Knowing why and the facts surrounding the correct answer = a pass![/COLOR]

[elizabethadavis]

I had the same resources when studying for my history tests.They were good. One thing that helped me was to look up any names on practices test and find out who they were. You never know, some one who was a choice may be on the test (this helps with process of elimination if you know they were a writer not a painter).I probally should have studied more on unions (there are so many people and details that is what makes it harder that history1) I got a broad test, that was nice. I made a 57 and I thank the Lord for that! I hope this helps you, Elizabeth

P.S Don't forget your spark chart like me. I remembered I had the morning of the test and went over it real fast. It fills in the gaps in instant cert and sums it all up!

[frankiebleyes]

I used the quick book and IC flashcards and did just fine. Only studied three or four days total.

[P00057870]

P.S Don't forget your spark chart like me.

Never heard that before.

Thanks,

Judy

[MCunningham]

You can find the History Sparkcharts and stuff at SparkNotes: Today's Most Popular Study Guides (they're free).

[aggie16]

thanks to everybody for all the advice

[MCunningham]

Aggie, I also recommend The History Channel series "The Presidents"!! (You can download the whole series for like $13 or something from Itunes.)

It was absolutely indespensible for me because I was having a hard time remembering what president did what and what happened during their tenure. "The Presidents" series only did about 8-10 minutes on each president, but I watched it twice and I can think of at least 15 questions that "The Presidents" helped me answer with total ease.

Good luck!!

MC