A total newb's experience with CLEP/DSST

[alix]

I really like this thread because I enjoy hearing a variety of perspectives on the study/test/score experience. For me, it's been interesting to explore my own process and find out how it can work for or against me.

I'm someone who has always taken tests well -- I'm very calm and focused, and I tend to finish early. I study intently for 1-7 days (sometimes 10 hours at a stretch) and I tend to study other (inexpensive) materials before I start on the IC flashcards. I use the flashcards to gather information and informally quiz myself, not so much work toward a certain pass rate. I do get interested in each topic and that's probably why I read other materials -- certainly, with anthropology I ended up reading some of the late-breaking news that would certainly NOT be on the test -- but I consider that interest to be part of what enables me to hold my focus. Even though I know my particular CLEP scores get me nothing at EC (except a pass!) I still want to get a high score on everything, because knowledge is my game. After American Government, all I could think was, "Where did I go wrong?"

That, my friends, is my own neurosis! hilarious

What disturbs me is when someone judges another person's scores or his/her approach to the process. That's probably because I have known C students who work VERY hard to get their grades, and they weren't dumb people. They were simply not talented in the particular ways that our academic system rewards. Of course, many people don't care, but you can't assume the reasons why someone gets a given score.

Anyway, I'd love it if more people would post about how they approach studying and test scores -- the more perspectives the merrier!