Which test do I start with?

[YaLaina]

I am just starting and I was wondering what test I need to do first???

[MISin08]

Hi, and welcome to the forum.

That's a broad question. We could be more helpful if we knew a little more about you and you situation. The short answer is you can take any test you want first, but some choices might be better than others for you.

By "just starting out" do you mean you have no college credit? If you have credit already, in what subjects?

What do you want to study? What tests do you think you will need to take (it's OK if you haven't thought far ahead)?

What school do you attend/plan to attend? The school is the biggest potential limiter of what exams you can take for credit.

In general, there is no "required" first test, but some tests make sense to take before others because the knowledge from one helps you on the next.

If you think you might like a degree from one of the schools we call the "Big 3" on this forum, you have little or no credit already, and would like to try testing, you might try a subject you already know, because that gives you a head start, or a subject you like or are curious about.

Without knowing your background, it's hard to recommend a specific first test, but Sociology, Psychology, and Analyzing & Interpreting Literature are a few you might consider. I'm sure others will have suggestions. I hope all this is helpful.

Phillip

[YaLaina]

Thanks for your response that helps a lot. I have no college credit, and I really haven't set in stone what college I am going to. But your answers really helped me and I think I can do this!!:hurray:

[DetroitSki]

i would say that for the first exam, go with Intro to Psychology or Intro to Sociology. The information is limited, the flashcards & exam feedback are spot on, and almost all undergrad schools/programs require both

[kevinmanemane]

This post i put up last week might be able to help you get started with your school choice and your instant cert stuff: http://www.degreeforum.net/excelsior-tho...rison.html

If you want to get a test under your belt, I would recommend doing the Composition Modular w/ Essay.
As long you can read and write, you should be more than fine.
But to give you an extra edge, go to Specific Exam Feedback, and find the College Composition CLEP thread and read what everybody has to say - itll give you fair warning of what its all about and very helpful hints to study and when you actually do the test.
Its 6 credits and english is always required by any school - you would be 1/20th of the way to your Bachelor's and 1/10th of the way to your Associates.
Get er DuN!

[cauble_txsg]

I am just starting and I was wondering what test I need to do first???

All of the comments so far are very practical, and make good sense.

Last February, I was in the very same place you are today. I would suggest that you consider a few things. That very first test can be intimidating, and we all get a touch of anxiety with the unknown.

Take a look at the list of CLEP and DANTES tests and find one that you believe that you already have some knowledge. That is where you start.

I might suggest the DANTES Introduction to Computers. If you have lived anywhere but a cave for the last 10 years, you have some knowledge of computing. Study the flash cards on InstantCert for no more than 6 hours, then go take the test. That is 3 semester hours of Natural Sciences credit done, and you now know exactly what to expect out of testing.

You might also consider DANTES Technical Writing if you have some experience with workplace communications. Like the Intro to Computing, it is easy to brush up on certain key elements covered in the test and then go knock it out. Don't over study!

Best of luck....

[YaLaina]

All of the comments so far are very practical, and make good sense.

Last February, I was in the very same place you are today. I would suggest that you consider a few things. That very first test can be intimidating, and we all get a touch of anxiety with the unknown.

Take a look at the list of CLEP and DANTES tests and find one that you believe that you already have some knowledge. That is where you start.

I might suggest the DANTES Introduction to Computers. If you have lived anywhere but a cave for the last 10 years, you have some knowledge of computing. Study the flash cards on InstantCert for no more than 6 hours, then go take the test. That is 3 semester hours of Natural Sciences credit done, and you now know exactly what to expect out of testing.
You might also consider DANTES Technical Writing if you have some experience with workplace communications. Like the Intro to Computing, it is easy to brush up on certain key elements covered in the test and then go knock it out. Don't over study!

Best of luck....

Where do I find the flashcards on here?

[YaLaina]

Where can I get study guides without going through college board?

[P00057870]

First you have to be a paying member, then when you sign on you will see it at the top of the page, as well as a link to this forum. You will find a plethora of classes to chose from, both lower level (LL) and upper level (UL) credits.

Happy hunting.

Judy

[CLEP101]

Thanks for your response that helps a lot. I have no college credit, and I really haven't set in stone what college I am going to. But your answers really helped me and I think I can do this!!:hurray:

One more thing that you might consider is if you are fluent in a foreign language. For example Spanish, French, or German. If you can read and write or understand enough, then a Foreign language CLEP test will probably be one of the easiest. You can get anywhere from 6-12 Semester hours from one language test.

Welcome to the forum