12-21-2017, 09:32 AM
(This post was last modified: 12-21-2017, 09:36 AM by cookderosa.)
My advice is to use practice tests as a way of gauging your readiness - at a very minimum on the first several CLEP exams you try.
Sadly, this forum has gotten away from CLEP testing and replaced it with ACE-evaluated courses for the most part, so you won't see CLEP advice like you used to.
In my opinion, having taken both the exams you took, I would say that you were underprepared. Human Growth and Development was my highest score - but based on your use of the word "parents" in your post, that you're much younger than I was when I took it. For me, I had a lot of background in the subject, especially the pregnancy stages and child development- so it wasn't all new for me. I used an old college textbook that was being thrown out, and just read it cover to cover. That was my main prep, but again, I had some real world experience with the material.
Your composition exam was close, on a different day it could have gone the other way and you may have passed by a point.
The hardest thing for me when I failed was the kick in the teeth- it felt like CRAP. I really took it wrong. I took it personally, I felt like a failure, I felt like I might not be able to finish my degree because I wasn't smart enough lol- all that sounds so pitiful when I type it out today (10 years after the fact) but I really did feel that way and had to psych myself up to keep pushing forward.
It is my advice to choose a subject you are already strong in- and that you have interest in. You need something in the win column if you're going to keep your spirits up. Visit the specific exam feedback section, get the REA guide for the subject (also contains 2-3 practice tests), and invest in the Peterson's practice tests. (3 practice tests). Space them out, don't burn them all at once, and don't even use them as a diagnostic- spend time in the subject. Practice tests are valuable and can only be used once or they are no longer reliable. Once you've clocked no less than 30 hours or so in the material, then you can burn one. Review and study everything you've missed- take notes- you need to know the material, but also how the questions work. If it's in a 101 class, expect it to be on the test!!!
You don't have to know the nuances, but you have to know the foundation, so work on the foundation for 80% of your study, and know it well. The last 20% can be spent on the trivial pursuit garbage. Over prepare. Over study. Go in confident. Once you pass your first exam, you'll know what it takes, and you'll be better the next go round.
Chin up - you can do it.
EDIT to add: of the list you posted, humanities would be my last choice- it's a big exam. Psych or Sociology are more manageable. But, if this is your first time studying either, give yourself a lot more time. Modern States prep, is like Cliffs Notes, quick prep and memorizing it might work for some, but not for others (like me). Sometimes, you just gotta do more.
Sadly, this forum has gotten away from CLEP testing and replaced it with ACE-evaluated courses for the most part, so you won't see CLEP advice like you used to.
In my opinion, having taken both the exams you took, I would say that you were underprepared. Human Growth and Development was my highest score - but based on your use of the word "parents" in your post, that you're much younger than I was when I took it. For me, I had a lot of background in the subject, especially the pregnancy stages and child development- so it wasn't all new for me. I used an old college textbook that was being thrown out, and just read it cover to cover. That was my main prep, but again, I had some real world experience with the material.
Your composition exam was close, on a different day it could have gone the other way and you may have passed by a point.
The hardest thing for me when I failed was the kick in the teeth- it felt like CRAP. I really took it wrong. I took it personally, I felt like a failure, I felt like I might not be able to finish my degree because I wasn't smart enough lol- all that sounds so pitiful when I type it out today (10 years after the fact) but I really did feel that way and had to psych myself up to keep pushing forward.
It is my advice to choose a subject you are already strong in- and that you have interest in. You need something in the win column if you're going to keep your spirits up. Visit the specific exam feedback section, get the REA guide for the subject (also contains 2-3 practice tests), and invest in the Peterson's practice tests. (3 practice tests). Space them out, don't burn them all at once, and don't even use them as a diagnostic- spend time in the subject. Practice tests are valuable and can only be used once or they are no longer reliable. Once you've clocked no less than 30 hours or so in the material, then you can burn one. Review and study everything you've missed- take notes- you need to know the material, but also how the questions work. If it's in a 101 class, expect it to be on the test!!!
You don't have to know the nuances, but you have to know the foundation, so work on the foundation for 80% of your study, and know it well. The last 20% can be spent on the trivial pursuit garbage. Over prepare. Over study. Go in confident. Once you pass your first exam, you'll know what it takes, and you'll be better the next go round.
Chin up - you can do it.
EDIT to add: of the list you posted, humanities would be my last choice- it's a big exam. Psych or Sociology are more manageable. But, if this is your first time studying either, give yourself a lot more time. Modern States prep, is like Cliffs Notes, quick prep and memorizing it might work for some, but not for others (like me). Sometimes, you just gotta do more.
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