Study tips

[DressageQueen]

Does anyone have any study tips for taking CLEP tests? I am a horrible test taker so any and all tips would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks! I am planning on taking the A&I, U.S. History1, Am Government, and Biology CLEPS. HELP!!

[cookderosa]

Does anyone have any study tips for taking CLEP tests? I am a horrible test taker so any and all tips would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks! I am planning on taking the A&I, U.S. History1, Am Government, and Biology CLEPS. HELP!!

Can you expand a bit on why you think you're a horrible test taker? (I am too, but probably for different reasons, thus a different solution)

[jt003806]

practice tests- best means to gauge your starting point, as well as your progress. Studies also show that most people retain more information working through problems than by reading. This is the entire basis for homework.

[Aubs]

I'm a terrible test taker too but I've conquered eight tests so far. Each time is difficult, I'm always nervous, and to be honest, I don't think it goes away ever. However, take the practice tests a couple times (sometimes more than once if necessary), find outside materials (textbooks definitely) and you can make your own flashcards (LIFE. SAVERS) at flashcardexchange.com

Try to spot your weaknesses and focus on those. I didn't study any poetry for american lit and guess what the test was really heavy on? Yeppers. Poetry. I passed but I was so mad at myself for not studying poetry!

US history 1 is fairly easy compared to the other tests you've listed. It was the first test I ever took and it's also been the highest score I've received to date! I haven't taken the other ones (A&I I've heard is easy too) so good luck with those.

Try not to flip out too much, if possible. Keep yourself calm. Focus on positives and DON'T RUSH. I've been rushing recently because of nerves and my scores have gone waaaay down.

You'll be alright Good luck!

[ryoder]

Spend at least twice as much time as you want to studying.
Then double that.

[cookderosa]

Maybe also spending a little more time on this forum lol.

[LaterBloomer]

As has been previously stated, overstudy. Also, to build confidence, you might want to determine which of your test topics is the easist, and take that test first. You might want to take the US History test before the government one as there is some overlap. Learn about the test, too. For instance, if you find yourself running out of time, just fill in one box for every question. You do not get penalized for wrong answers. When you're taking the test, you can mark a question to come back to at a later time - IF you don't run out of time. If questions seem hard, just keep on plowing through. I've started some tests that had easy questions, and other ones that started with really tough questions. Don't let any one question, or set of questions throw you. Just keep on keeing on. Best of luck.

[ryoder]

American government and biology are among the most failed tests.
A&I is the easiest from what I hear.
Definitely study US History I first. That is good advice. Make sure that you really need government. I thought it would transfer into USF as a history and it did not. So I took US History II after government.

[PonyGirl93]

Step 1) breathe deep and walk to X

Step 2) salute

....oh wait! That's dressage! lol Yay horse people! :hurray:

-what everyone ^ has said
-know your limits, but push them hard
-it sounds strange, but if you freak out mid-test, close your eyes and intentionally relax allll over, pause for a minute, then start again
-flashcards are really helpful for certain tests (US history!!!!)
-make a life-long friendship with the "advanced search" link and devour every thread regarding the exam you are about to take.
-stay cool, my classical riding friend.

[DressageQueen]

Thank you all for the great advice! I will definitely use all of these techniques. Also, I loved the dressage analogy! (Schooling 3rd level!!!! YAY!!!!!) I am going to take the A&I test in a few weeks with a friend of mine. I am currently taking classes in government, US History I, and Biology. I will take those CLEPS when the classes are done. (Maybe the government one a bit earlier). Thank you again for all the support and advice you have all given me.
Thanks!