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+--- Thread: Is instantcert the answer to all the questions? (/Thread-Is-instantcert-the-answer-to-all-the-questions)
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Is instantcert the answer to all the questions? - stupidguy - 02-04-2010
So its been a number of years since I was in school and I've basically forgotten anything they might have taught me (although I don't remember if they taught me anything).
I have the opportunity to test out of a few classes with the clep (college math, history 2, world civilization, english, etc..). I don't want to buy books and study to actually learn anything.. Because honestly as soon as I pass the test, that knowledge can leak from my brain and I will be just as happy.
Is the instantcert academy something that will train my brain without tooooooooooooo much major effort and cost?
Is instantcert the answer to all the questions? - cookderosa - 02-04-2010
stupidguy Wrote:So its been a number of years since I was in school and I've basically forgotten anything they might have taught me (although I don't remember if they taught me anything).>>
I have the opportunity to test out of a few classes with the clep (college math, history 2, world civilization, english, etc..). I don't want to buy books and study to actually learn anything.. Because honestly as soon as I pass the test, that knowledge can leak from my brain and I will be just as happy.
Is the instantcert academy something that will train my brain without tooooooooooooo much major effort and cost?
IC are flash cards, so if you are good at memorizing, you could maybe go that route. The flash cards ARE NOT the test questions. They are to direct you toward the subjects that are covered on the test. I found online resources, youtube, free library books, etc were all ways around "buying" books. But, it's hard to say if or how much supplemental stuff you need- it's different for each of us. It really depends on what you already know, what your interests are, etc. I did buy a few books, but not many. I used the internet mainly.
How long you retain the information is up to you, just as long as you retain it until you test. Just be warned though, I don't know anyone who has completed 120 college credits without actually learning anything. Be open minded- there might be something actually worth learning out there.
*I know, I didn't believe it either, but now I'm humbled.
Is instantcert the answer to all the questions? - JanusthePhoenix - 02-04-2010
What Cook said. IC is best utilized as an easy way to become familiar with the subject matter on the tests. That means you still have to learn stuff.
The good news is, you can avoid buying books. IC and some Googling is sufficient to pass lots of these tests.
Is instantcert the answer to all the questions? - stupidguy - 02-04-2010
OK, so assuming I can't remember anything from high school, do you think I can learn the material necessary to pass the test using the IC "flash cards"? Or would I be better off going out and buying (or renting from the library) Math for dummies? And other such books?
I guess I really am fine with learning it, I just don't want to! :ack:
Is instantcert the answer to all the questions? - Ruddigore - 02-04-2010
stupidguy Wrote:OK, so assuming I can't remember anything from high school, do you think I can learn the material necessary to pass the test using the IC "flash cards"? Or would I be better off going out and buying (or renting from the library) Math for dummies? And other such books?Personally, I would use IC, a book source, practice exams, and (of course) Wikipedia as a base of operations. Being prepared is always a blessing.
I guess I really am fine with learning it, I just don't want to! :ack:
What is your goal here? It takes motivation to successfully pass CLEP & DSST exams. Recently, I mentioned I was doing college by testing to an acquaintance. Her response was: "Not fair!" She proceeded to tell me she had tried to test out of English but failed because she had underestimated the exam. "Just sitting through a college class isn't enough for those! They expect you to know a lot more than I realized."
Point is, the more motivated you are to finish the tests you need, the better your testing journey will go. If that makes sense.
Is instantcert the answer to all the questions? - cookderosa - 02-04-2010
stupidguy Wrote:OK, so assuming I can't remember anything from high school, do you think I can learn the material necessary to pass the test using the IC "flash cards"? Or would I be better off going out and buying (or renting from the library) Math for dummies? And other such books?>>
I guess I really am fine with learning it, I just don't want to! :ack:
Just pick one and start. If you feel overwhelmed, then get another source and so on. When I started in 2006, I was 22 years out of high school. I graduated from trade school in 1990, so that was the extent of my "college" schooling.
After hanging here for 4 years, one thing I know is true- it is motivation that gets you through your tests/classes, not brains.
Is instantcert the answer to all the questions? - Basket Weaver - 02-04-2010
Ruddigore Wrote:Personally, I would use IC, a book source, practice exams, and (of course) Wikipedia as a base of operations. Being prepared is always a blessing.
What is your goal here? It takes motivation to successfully pass CLEP & DSST exams. Recently, I mentioned I was doing college by testing to an acquaintance. Her response was: "Not fair!" She proceeded to tell me she had tried to test out of English but failed because she had underestimated the exam. "Just sitting through a college class isn't enough for those! They expect you to know a lot more than I realized."
Point is, the more motivated you are to finish the tests you need, the better your testing journey will go. If that makes sense.
I agree:iagree: You are only going to get out of a test what you put into the study. Many have come here and failed because they did not take the study or the testing seriously...often they say the actual class is easier because you can go into cruise control mode while the professor teaches you exactly what is needed to pass the exams.
IC is probably the only reason I was able to get off my butt and finish my degree...AND...motivate me/give me the confidence I needed to complete my education...not to mention the superb help of the forum members! IC works, the rate is cheap but it requires effort.
You CAN pass whatever test you desire but it will take serious effort, discipline, and time management. Given the right mental attitude, anything is possible...you just have to be honest with yourself and ask if you are willing to put forth the effort to achieve your goal. If it were easy, everyone would be a college grad.
I recommend starting with an easy one to build confidence and go from there. Use the search function on the site to get in-depth feedback on whatever subject you desire. Let us know if you have any questions and I'm quite positive someone here will help you. Good Luck and welcome to the site!
Is instantcert the answer to all the questions? - dfb8084 - 02-04-2010
these tests were designed to determine college level knowledge of a subject. I have learned, on the five I took, that I don't know nearly as much as I thought.
For most you will need a text book, or at least the REA book.
Good luck, but I don't think it will do you any good.
Entering into something with the goal of doing the bare minimum and skating by usually ends in wasted time and money.
Is instantcert the answer to all the questions? - dfb8084 - 02-04-2010
Not to go off on a tangent here, but I just had a funny thought. In response the the countless folks who pop up here, every so often, looking to the "secret" to a cheap/free/no effort degree.
It reminds me of my mom. My mom is so cheap that she actually COSTS herself money. She is the type who will buy the $29 off brand DVD player that breaks in 6 weeks. She will replace it with the $49 off brand DVD player that also breaks in a few months.
Finally, in frustration, she goes to best buy and buys the $120 Sony DVD player that she should have bought in the first place... she had gone with the off brands to "save" money.... great job, mom, $80 gone from my inheritance.
Is instantcert the answer to all the questions? - stupidguy - 02-05-2010
Thanks for all the responses. I basically want to pass the tests with the least amount of effort possible. I could take the classes and waste tons of time (and more money) and probably not learn anything that will stick with me for more then a year...
Or I can study and learn what I need to know in order to pass the CLEPs and potentially save lots of time and money.
So I am going for the second option. The problem is since I have no urge/desire/care because I feel that nothing that I learn will really apply in life (I have felt this way most of my schooling career) I am looking for the simplest cheapest way to do this. I know other people would challenge my "nothing in school apply's to life" notion, but I am perfectly happy with my ignorance.
I am getting the BA because stupid employers value the piece of paper and the knowledge that you struggled with school for 4 years. Oh yeah and because my employer is paying for it. Otherwise @*!# that, they charge way to much for an education system that most people don't get much out of, and the people that do could just as easily pick up a book and learn the information if they wanted to.
:imwithstupid: