Calling all EXCEL exam taker-specialists! I need your help :)

[KarateChopBlessing88]

Hello Everyone!
My name is Katrina Smith and I am aware of the CLEP exams (took 4 so far) but have yet to attempt a EXCEL exam and know nothing about it.

The Four Excel exams I have to take are:
1) Interpersonal Communications
2) Introduction to Research
3) Philosophy
4) Abnormal Psychology

My questions are- Did anyone pass these tests? How do they differ from CLEP exams? How many hours a day did you spend studying for these exams? Is it possible to study two a month? What tips of the trade do you have?

Thank-you so much!
Katrina Smith

[GoodYellowDogs]

I have not taken those exact UExcel exams. However, in general, I found the UExcel exams to be a little bit harder than CLEP. In the CLEP exams sometimes you can figure out an answer by some of the other questions that are asked. That was never the case with UExcel exams. I found they also needed an understanding of the concepts, not just rote memorizations.

[KarateChopBlessing88]

Thank-you so much! That was truly helpful. I know with CLEP- REA books are only 80-200 pages with large print. CLEP is a challenge for sure I suppose it will take a lot more time and studying to complete.

Thank-you!
Katrina Smith

[Waldorfteacher]

https://my.excelsior.edu/documents/78666...b10bf34046

This is a link to the UXCEL technical data which includes grade distribution and pass rates for some exams. For example, Abnormal Psychology has a pass rate of 90% (25%A38%B27%C) on one version and 86% on the other. You can look the others up if you are so inclined. I am not aware of a Uxcel called Introduction to Research. The technical handbook does list data for Research Methdods in Psychology, 88% pass(14%A39%B35%C). One amazing statistic from the handbook is that the upper level Pathophysiology UXCEL has 43% A rate and an 80% pass rate over all.

The better question is does anyone on the forum fail these exams. There are infrequent reports of UXCEL/ECE failures, but not very many. There is some anecdotal evidence and a raft of opinion circulating on the forum that UEXCEL's are more difficult than CLEP or DSST. To date, there is no published data to support the notion that UXCELs are indeed more difficult. It is my completely unsubstantiated opinion that because UXCELs are graded and achieving an A may be less common than achieving a B or C on UXCELs, whereas a pass is a pass with CLEP, a general sense that UXCELs are comparitively more difficult has taken root here. Judging from the data published in the posted link above, many UXCELS have pass rates above 80%. I am pretty sure that is a higher pass rate than either CLEP or DSST. Mind you this is all test takers and not just the uber-elite test crew who inhabit this rarified space. Snark aside, the exam specific feedback and tremendous knowledge base of this forum are such an advantage that I trust you will pass all of the listed exams with adequate preparation. That prognostication comes with one caveat, do not expect an A if you don't study for an A.

You can readily study and pass 2 UXCELs a month. Get the exam specific used textbooks on Amazon, pony up for the practice exams, and frequent the specific feedback section. You will pass with room to spare.

[laughter]

I haven't taken those exams specifically, but I've completed a bunch of other UExcels so I'll just answer for UExcels in general. I don't think there's an Intro to Research UExcel available... are you referring to the Research Methods in Psych?

Did anyone pass these tests?

With God's help, I've passed every single UExcel attempted with an A, except for a B on the first.

How many hours a day did you spend studying for these exams? Is it possible to study two a month?

At the peak... about 8-10 hours a day for roughly 2 weeks. If you're aiming for an A, it's not impossible, but you've got to work for it. I've found most of them require 60 study hours or more... unless you're really familiar with the subject.

What tips of the trade do you have?

Print the content guide. Use it while preparing for the exam. Make sure you've learned every single thing listed on the content breakdown. If you're getting an older edition of the text, a couple of the stuff may be missing... so google them up. Study the text well, some of the questions are specific to the textbook. Study the sample questions and PTs well - some of the questions in the real exam are very similar to them. Don't leave any stone unturned - if you come across a concept in the PTs that you haven't covered in the text, google it up.

Best wishes!

[ZsaZsa]

You can see my first two I got an A...Research Methods in Psych really was a bear- I got a B. I'm a nurse so I wasn't starting from scratch, but I still did a lot more studying for these. Print out the official content guide for the subject and treat it like an assignment. Make notes for EVERY SINGLE TOPIC that they mention. They are just as doable as CLEP and DSST if you put in the effort.

[topdog98]

For me, the difference between the UExcel exams I have taken (3 of them) vs. the CLEP and DSST exams has been that it is much more important that you use the specific textbooks suggested for the UExcel exam. CLEP & DSST exams seem to be more general information on a subject whereas there may be questions on a UExcel exam that would only be found in a specific textbook. Good luck on your tests.

[KarateChopBlessing88]

At the peak... about 8-10 hours a day for roughly 2 weeks. If you're aiming for an A, it's not impossible, but you've got to work for it. I've found most of them require 60 study hours or more... unless you're really familiar with the subject.

Print the content guide. Use it while preparing for the exam. Make sure you've learned every single thing listed on the content breakdown. If you're getting an older edition of the text, a couple of the stuff may be missing... so google them up. Study the text well, some of the questions are specific to the textbook. Study the sample questions and PTs well - some of the questions in the real exam are very similar to them. Don't leave any stone unturned - if you come across a concept in the PTs that you haven't covered in the text,

------ Good advice! And the hourly range was most helpful. With Clep I've been doing 60-70 hours.. Although it takes wayy less time to read REA textbook than Excel textbook. Very helpful. Thanks for the advice! "No stone unturned" and the idea of getting a older textbook, saving a great deal of money and simply google-ing the rest? Sounds like a pretty good appeal.

[KarateChopBlessing88]

Waldorfteacher-- Those statics are extremely helpful as well as the "no published data to support the notion that UXCELs are indeed more difficult" is a relief! 2 a month is also a good Statistic! So far I've passed two CLEPS in two weeks, Aiming for Three this friday! We will see. We will see. Thanks for the encouragement!

To everyone? laughter -Knight Champion, ZsaZsa's Knight, topdog98's Dame Champion, and GoodYellowDog Baron / Baroness. Thank-you all so much! Truly appreciate the tips, advice, encouragement and feedback. You all are awesome!

Onward and Upward, Blessings to you all!
Katrina- The... minor noble

[islandcoli]

I wish the pass rate for Word Population was published