Chickened out newbie

[greathomes]

Hello everyone,
I am new to this place. You all seem seasoned clep takers here!
Well, I really let my self down today. I am pursuing by BBA from Bakers college and still have a long way to go. Ever since I found out that we can test out of college courses by taking cleps, I was thrilled
I have ordered every REA book from amazon for the subjects I will be taking.

Well here is the deal. I have been studying for my Pr. of marketing and Freshman college for more than a month. But with two active boys (7 and 8) life is very hectic to say the least.
I was scheduled to take both exams last week on Friday at 10:00am but cancelled in the morning because I felt that I was not prepared enough.
Here I am sitting in the same predicament today, disgusted that I chickened out again. I will be calling to reschedule.
Now don't get me wrong. I am prepared - but I don't feel like I can afford to fail. ($90 per try is no joke!):eek:
My primary source for learning has been the REA books. I just found this website, but I find that the flashcard system is not so good for me. I like to have the choice of answers in front of me. I feel like I have mastered the REA books. Do you think that is enough?
Your guidance in this regard will be much appreciated.

Sincerely
Cindy

[ShotoJuku]

[COLOR="Navy"]Hello Cindy -

Sitting your very first exam can be an unnerving experience, yet one can only do so if they feel that their individual confidence level is HIGH, but how do we find this level of confidence?

Simply by not only believing in ourselves but also testing our skills first and then when satisfied sitting the real exam. There are a few pre-test methods that you can and should try (I always did).

The pre-test/practice exams found in the REA books and those found on the Petersons website are an incredible and invaluable tool at testing ones skills and finding that elusive level of testing confidence.

You can and you will succeed - Good Luck!![/COLOR]

[dwoods]

Cindy,


I (like most others) felt the same way before taking my first exam, but I weighed my choices and chose to take the test, which I passed. I still get nervous before taking test, but follow though.

I am positive that it is just a confidence issue. You can do it!!!!!

[dc67]

The best way I have found to use the flashcards is to not guess the right answer but to click through reading the questions and answers. that way on the real test the correct answer jumps out at you. hope that helps.

Doug

[30 year degree plan]

Cindy,

I'm new to this forum as well. While I havn't taken the two tests that you listed, I have used the REA books with the practice CD as my sole source of study for the six CLEP tests that I have taken. With the exception of Biology I scored over 60 on all tests using only the REA study material.

[skyfall123]

Hi Cindy,
Everyone has a different method that works for them. For me it was to saturate myself with the material over a shorter, more intense period. Most tests I took after a week and two of very intense nightly study. If I spread things out too much, I have a tendency to drift and get sidetracked. Along the way I also scheduled and took tests that I felt I may be inadequately prepared for. In the end, I passed them alll, although with different degrees of effort and result. After a while, you'll be able to gauge your readiness. I did pretty much follow the guidance of Instacert and the feedback forum this forum. You won't know until you try, and you won't try until you stand up to the emotion that can paralyze us all. Fear is that big stop sign that will always hold us back. Only you can take the steps to walk through your fear. What we represent are the people, just like you, that had the same fears, but put one foot in front of the other until our dream of a degree came to fruition.
Good luck on your journey!

[ShotoJuku]

You can do this. We can help.

I love it - We're now the "Home IC-Forums Depot!"

[greathomes]

Hi Everyone
I was feeling very bad this morning, but thanks to all your encouraging words I am moving on with renewed strength. I think this forum is an invaluable guide, and I am so thankful for the knowledge provided by people who have been there done that!

I think one big hurdle in this process in the lack of testing centers. Even the two closest centers are at least half an hour drive from my home. And don't even get me started about their stinky schedules. One friday a month for one of them. Third wednesday of every month for the other. The only choice left is to travel 40 miles for a center that tests every Friday at 10:00am.

I think this is one of the reasons, I have cancelled two times. Between sending the kids to school and driving in early morning rush hour to make it there at 9:45 gives me cold feet.

Why don't they have more flexible schedules?

Anyway thanks for all your support. I KNOW I WILL DO IT NEXT FRIDAY!!hilarious
Just keep me in your thoughts and prayers!!
Cheers
Cindy

[skyfall123]

Why don't they have more flexible schedules?

Cindy,
I started out taking two CLEP tests a month since that was the max allowed at that particular location. After getting to be a familiar face, and a bit of a testing oddity, they started making exceptions for me. Get to know your testing center folks and plant some seeds. Remember if you can raise a couple of cherubs, and get them to eat an occasional vegetable, you can do anything.hilarious

[Lindagerr]

I still remember going for my first test I was a wreck. It was At Thomas Edison and it was a TECEP. If I failed I not only felt let down but I wasted $225 and I had to drive to down town Trenton at 8:30 in the morning. My 2 sons were both in high school, but I still had to get them off. By the time I got to Trenton made wrong turns finally found a place to park and walked in the pouring rain to the college. I was a total wreck.

Well it turned out they weren't ready for me, I had to sit in a waiting room about 25 min. It actually gave me time to gather my thoughts and reconvince my self I could do it. I ended up leaving the testing center sure I had failed, but feeling good that I at least tried.

As it turns out I passed with room to spare. That was almost 18 months and 24 testing credits ago. I know it is hard with young children, but believe me it is still easier when you are young. I am finally at the point where my AA degre is within my grasp. It is an indescribable feeling.

I still worry I am not ready every time I take a test and I still think I must have failed after each one. I have not failed one yet. I have used everything from Petersin test, IC, Rudman study guides, textbooks,books on tape, flashcards, sparknotes, you name it. Just go take the first test and you will probably be surprised at how well you do.

Where do you live? Have you checked all the colleges and community colleges near you, sometimes they are not listed on the web sites you have to call and ask.

Good Luck we are all pulling for you.